Charleston Competition Publishes 2026 Piano Finalists

The First Global Showcase of CIMC's 2026 Season

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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The Charleston International Music Competition (CIMC) has announced the finalists of the 2026 International Piano Competition, marking the opening of CIMC's 2026 season and honoring an exceptional group of pianists whose performances stood out on the global stage. The finalists were selected from an international pool of applicants and distinguished themselves through musical depth, refined technique, stylistic understanding, and expressive artistry.

Why it matters

The International Piano Competition holds a special place within CIMC's annual programming, as the first competition of the year it sets the artistic standard for the season and showcases pianists whose work has been recognized by one of the world's leading online music competitions. Reaching the finalist level represents a significant artistic achievement for these pianists.

The details

The 2026 piano finalists will have their performances featured on the Official CIMC YouTube Channel, where audiences around the world can experience these outstanding piano performances. Prize winners of the 2026 International Piano Competition will be officially announced on February 10, 2026, on the Official Results Page of the Charleston International Music Competition.

  • The 2026 International Piano Competition finalists were announced on February 10, 2026.
  • The prize winners of the 2026 International Piano Competition will be announced on February 10, 2026.

The players

Charleston International Music Competition (CIMC)

An annual music competition that has recognized over 8,000 musicians from more than 100 countries, establishing a strong international reputation for professional standards, distinguished adjudication, and meaningful artistic recognition.

2026 International Piano Competition Finalists

An exceptional group of pianists whose performances stood out on the global stage, selected from an international pool of applicants. The finalists distinguished themselves through musical depth, refined technique, stylistic understanding, and expressive artistry.

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What’s next

Following the International Piano Competition, CIMC's 2026 season continues with three major international events: an open competition for all instruments, age groups, and musical styles with an application deadline of March 15, 2026; a competition celebrating repertoire from the Baroque, Classical, Romantic, and Contemporary eras with an application deadline of April 15, 2026; and a competition welcoming musicians worldwide to showcase their artistry across all instruments with an application deadline of May 15, 2026.

The takeaway

The Charleston International Music Competition continues to be a global platform for musical excellence, recognizing and celebrating the achievements of exceptional pianists from around the world through its annual International Piano Competition.