Competition

The First Frédéric Chopin International Piano Competition Wernigerode Competition will take place from 12th to 19th of April, 2026 in Wernigerode, Germany.

1)  The Competition organized by PKOW Orchestra Foundation and the non-profit society FJKUK.

2) The competition is open to pianists of all nationalities and ages.

3) Candidates who wish to participate in the competition must submit the required application documents by February 28, 2026, at the latest .

The Competition application shall include:

1. Application form available on the Competition’s website, correctly completed, to be printed and personally signed by the candidate for the Competition.

2. Short biographical note.

3. Photocopy of an official document indicating date of birth.

4. A photo used for promotional purposes related to the competition.

5. Photocopy of the receipt indicating that the non-refundable fee of 120€ Application to be transferred to:

   Na,e of the Bank Harzer Volksbank eG

   ACCOUNT HOLDER: FJKUK e. V.

   IBAN: DE84800635084001287500

   SWIFT / BIC: GENODEF1QLB

   PAYMENT REFERENCE: Participant’s fee – Chopin Wernigerode IPC

5) All stages of the competition will be open to the public.

6) The competition consists of 4 rounds (3 solo rounds and a final round with an orchestra).

7) Jury members who worked with the contestants will not have voting rights.

8) The order of performance will be determined by drawing lots, and will be followed in all rounds.

9) COPYRIGHT: Full copyright is held by the “First Frédéric Chopin International Piano Competition Wernigerode” and/or its assignees and licensees. All stages of the Competition may be broadcast and streamed live and may be recorded and videotaped for subsequent broadcast, video, DVD audio recording or equivalent or any other format/media use. It is anticipated that CD recordings of selected Competition performances will be commercially produced, that a documentary of the Competition incorporating selected performances might be produced for television, and that the Competition will be made available on the internet and / or an equivalent media. Camera crews may photograph all Competition events.

10) Neither the “First Frédéric Chopin International Piano Competition Wernigerode” nor its assignees or licensees may be held liable for any payments to pianists arising out of materials derived from Competition performances.

Financial settlements: Travel, accommodation and, if applicable, visa costs must be borne by the participants themselves. An official invitation will be sent to applicants who require a visa.