Thank you for your interest in the 2019 Birmingham International Piano Competition.
​APPLICATIONS ARE NOW CLOSED.

About the Competition
The Birmingham International Piano Competition remains committed to the art of the piano recital, and provides young pianists the chance to further their careers and perform in world class venues. More information on the history of the Competition can be found here.

The Prizes
The Competition awards three pianists – one winner and two runners-up – with a monetary prize as follows, as well as a recital engagement at Town Hall, Birmingham for the winner:

• First Prize: £3,000 plus a recital engagement at Town Hall, Birmingham
• Second Prize: £2,000
• Third Prize: £1,000
• Audience Prize: £500

The Jury
This year's competition jury will be distinguished international pianists Peter Donohoe, Jayson Gillham (winner of the Brant in 2011), and Richard Hawley (Head of Artistic Programming at Town Hall Symphony Hall).

The Format
​The competition will be held in three rounds as follows:

• First Round: Saturday 22 June 2019, Barber Institute of Fine Arts, Birmingham
• Semi-Final Round: Sunday 23 June 2019, Barber Institute of Fine Arts, Birmingham
• Final Round: Saturday 29 June 2019, Town Hall, Birmingham

Before submitting your application please ensure you have thoroughly read the information regarding Eligibility, Application Process, and Terms and Conditions below.

Eligibility
The competition is open to applicants of any nationality, but applicants must be:

• Resident in the UK (at the time of application)
• Aged 18 to 28 (inclusive) on Friday 10 May 2019

Application Process

• Application is by application form only, which can be downloaded from the bottom of this page. The closing date for receipt of applications was Friday 10 May 2019 at 5pm. From the field of applicants a maximum number of 25 entrants will be invited to perform in the First Round. Completed application forms, must reach the Competition Administrator on or before the deadline, and should be sent together with the necessary supporting documentation (see below) to: Competition Administrator, Birmingham International Piano Competition, Symphony Hall, 8 Centenary Square, Birmingham, B1 2EA, or via email to bipcomp@thsh.co.uk. Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted.

​

• The following supporting documents are required with the application form:
  • Copy of a birth certificate or passport confirming the date of birth of the candidate. (Citizenship Cards will not be accepted; photocopies should be sent as opposed to original documents).
  • CV including photograph and details of training, awards, prizes, recent concert appearances (if any), and links to any performances available online.
  • Two reference letters (typed in English) from musicians of standing, recommending the applicant for participation in the competition, including contact details (phone number and email address) of your referees.
  • Entry fee of £35 (non-refundable); this may be submitted by cheque or by online payment. Cheques in pounds sterling should be made payable to Birmingham International Piano Competition and be enclosed with the application form. Online payments should be paid using the following bank account details – account number: 68890068, sort code: 306261.

Terms & Conditions
For a full list of Terms and Conditions please see the attached Application Form.