Pei-Heng Jiang, 16, wins the Rina Sala Gallo Monza International Piano Competition
The 16-year-old took first prize in Monza with Rachmaninov's Third Concerto, ahead of Yangrui Cai and Karina Tseng.
Sixteen-year-old pianist Pei-Heng Jiang has won first prize at the 28th Rina Sala Gallo Monza International Piano Competition in Italy. The final took place on 10 October 2026 at the Teatro Manzoni in Monza, with the Orchestra Sinfonica di Milano conducted by Mattia Rondelli. Jiang played Rachmaninov’s Piano Concerto No. 3.
The “Città di Monza” first prize is worth 15,000 euros. Jiang also received the audience prize, which comes with a 2,000 euro scholarship, the “Massimo Galli” prize and the prize for the youngest semifinalist. He is due to play a concerto with the Orchestra Sinfonica di Milano in its 2026/2027 season.
Second prize (8,000 euros) went to Yangrui Cai, who also played Rachmaninov’s Third Concerto and won the student jury prize. Karina Tseng took third prize (5,000 euros) with Grieg’s Piano Concerto in A minor and also received the orchestra’s own prize, which brings a chamber concert in its season. The Chopin Prize went to Takuma Onodera and the “Laura Zancarli” prize to Raul Canosa.
The jury was chaired by Robert Levin and also included Eleonore Büning, Anna Fedorova, Francesco Filidei, William Kinderman, Bruno Monsaingeon and Mariangela Vacatello.
Source: Rina Sala Gallo Monza International Piano Competition, ANSA
Quick question
Is Rachmaninov's Third a wise choice for a competition final?
Have a story tip or a correction? Tell us.