Following this past weekend’s grand final rounds, the Piano Star International Competition has officially concluded its sixth season! Contestants from groups A-C competed on December 13th and contestants from groups D-E competed on December 14th in broadcasts that included live comments from judges after each pre-recorded performance.
As always, the level of expertise and talent shown by contestants during each round was nothing short of exceptional. The last few months have been incredibly rewarding: contestants competed in live performances (both in person and virtually) from across the globe, our panel of judges gave live feedback, and each young artist exhibited a level of artistry that was a joy to hear.
Thank you to our grand final judges – Olga Kern, David Fung, Robert Blocker, James Giles, and Hyun-Sook Park – and the PL team for making this weekend a success! The 2025 competition season has concluded for now, but we hope you’ll join us at the Carnegie Hall showcase in June 2026 to celebrate this year’s winners.
THIS SEASON’S PIANO STAR WINNERS BY GROUP ARE AS FOLLOWS
The Gold, Silver, Bronze Medalists, and Honorable Mentions listed above will receive trophies, with cash prizes awarded to Gold, Silver, and Bronze Medalists. Gold Medalists will also receive a complimentary invitation to perform at Carnegie Hall in June 2026. Invitations will be extended to Silver Medalists and, based on availability, other high-ranking contestants. More information regarding prizes can be found here.
Scoring & Tie-Breaker Notes
Final rankings are determined by total points based on judges’ placements. In the event of a tie:
• For a two-way tie, the contestant ranked higher by two of the three judges is placed higher.
• For a three-way tie, where each judge ranks a different contestant highest, final placement is determined by executive votes from the competition directors.
OTHER AWARDS AND SCHOLARSHIPS
Luzerne Music Center Summer Camp Scholarship Award
Gold Medalists of Groups C, D, and E have been awarded full scholarships – including room and board – for the 2026 Luzerne Music Center Summer Camp.
Gulf Coast Symphony Award
The Group E Gold Medalist has been awarded a solo recital at the Music and Arts Community Center in Fort Myers, Florida and a concerto performance with the Gulf Coast Symphony during a future concert season.
PL Teacher of the Year Award
Congratulations to Dr. Orn Pornphan Banternghansa for her outstanding work in guiding and supporting his students.
All of us at Piano League want to thank you for supporting these incredible young pianists this year and every year. We hope you’ll join us in June 2026 to celebrate their achievements. Wishing you a happy holiday season – we’ll see you next year!
About the Piano Star International CompetitionThe Piano Star International Competition, currently in its sixth season, is an annual competition that draws together hundreds of applicants from around the globe. It is an accessible opportunity for young artists to gain exposure and experience in professional, competitive environments, receive valuable feedback from industry-leading judges, and compete for cash prizes, scholarships, titles, and more. Need more information or have any questions? Email us at pi*******@************ue.com.
About Piano League®Piano League is a comprehensive platform that provides a centralized and professional space for pianists and artists of all ages, levels, and backgrounds to connect. The goal of Piano League is to create a community where individuals, both seasoned pianists and those who appreciate music casually, can come together to share their love of music – without the barriers that define the traditional landscape. Piano League offers the annual global Piano Star International Competition, Pianist Express™, and more at thepianoleague.com.
