Spotlight International Piano Competition 2027: $130 Application, $120 Semifinal Fee and 10 December Deadline
World-wide piano call with a 150-entry limit
The Spotlight Arts & Culture Foundation's 2027 International Piano Competition is accepting applications from pianists worldwide aged ten to 35. The online entry portal opened on 15 October 2026 and the listed deadline is 10 December 2026 at 11:59 p.m. Central Time. However, the organiser will accept only the first 150 complete applications, so the event may reach capacity before the published closing date.
Three age sections and video requirements
The Junior division is for ages ten to 13, Senior for 14 to 17 and Young Artist for 18 to 35. Applicants submit two contrasting solo piano pieces, including at least one from the Baroque or Classical period. All pieces must be performed from memory, without cuts or splicing within a performance; the pianist and hands should be visible from the side. The organiser requires recordings made within six months of registration, and durations vary by division.
Two distinct fees and progression schedule
The initial application costs a non-refundable US$130, including the preliminary videos. Selected semifinalists must add a contrasting new work, provide a portrait and pay a further non-refundable US$120 to advance. Semifinal submissions close on 12 January 2027. Online results are scheduled for 1 February 2027, with invited finalists eligible for a public concert round in Houston on 5 June. The invitation to a live round is not the same as automatic funding of international travel.
Prizes and verification
Among the announced awards, the online Young Artist first prize is US$3,000, while the live Spotlight Grand Prize is US$5,000 and Audience Choice is US$1,000. The foundation also lists a travel assistance pool of up to US$3,000 in total for non-Texas finalists, subject to conditions. Detailed rules, past competitions and the jury information are accessible from the Spotlight Arts & Culture Foundation's official pages. Check the separate live-round age requirements before assuming that every online category has identical live eligibility.
Official call and application instructions
Research checked: 23 October 2026. Deadlines, eligibility, fees and programme rules can change; verify the organiser's live announcement before applying or paying.