PianoForte Foundation

2026 Chicago Regional - Manhattan International Piano Competition

The 2026 Chicago Regional is the official Stage 2 (Live Round) of the Manhattan International Piano Competition. Following the international video screening, selected participants are invited to perform live before a professional jury.

This regional round is scheduled to take place in our recital hall on Sunday, May 10th, 2026.

The Chicago Regional serves as a critical step between the online preliminary stage and the final round in New York City. It offers young and professional pianists the opportunity to present their artistry on stage, receive expert adjudication, and compete for advancement to the Manhattan Final.

The deadline is coming up fast, but there's still an opportunity to submit via the late deadline (April 5).

Pianists are invited to apply in the following divisions:

• Junior (ages 8–12)

• Senior (ages 13–17)

• Professional (18–35)

Selected participants will advance to the Manhattan Final & Manhattan International Piano Festival in New York City (October 1–4, 2026).

More information & application:

https://www.manhattanmusicandarts.org/chicago

Interesting review of one of our concerts at PianoForte Studios:

https://armenianweekly.com/2025/06/02/karine-poghosyan-enchants-chicago-with-a-soulful-tribute-to-khachaturian/

PianoForte Concert Listing September 21 to 27 -

PianoForte Concert Listing September 21 to 27 Milwaukee-based pianist Brendan Fox presents Consolation / Revelation, a recital built around two major works: Eric Wubbels’ contemporary tour de force Consolation, and Beethoven’s transcendent final piano sonata in C minor, Op. 111.