Competitions › Ralph Votapek International Young Artist Piano Competition
Ralph Votapek International Young Artist Piano Competition
Next edition
- Edition
- 2027
- Dates
- 19-22 August 2027
- Location
- Cook Recital Hall, East Lansing
- Registration deadline
- 1 April 2027
- Fee
- USD 150
Source: music.msu.edu
Overview
Biennial international youth piano competition at Michigan State University, named after pianist Ralph Votapek and first held in 2025. Open to pianists of all nationalities aged 14-18.
- Organiser
- Michigan State University College of Music, Keyboard Area
- Instruments
- Piano
- Category
- Solo piano
- Age limits
- 14-18 as of the competition dates; not enrolled in a college music programme
Rules & repertoire
Registration & fee
Online application with video, bio, headshot, proof of age and teacher recommendation; fee USD 150; deadline 1 April
Rounds & time limits
- Preliminary: video of at least three works, up to 30 min
- Semifinal: recital up to 30 min (up to 10 semifinalists)
- Final: recital up to 60 min
Repertoire
Solo repertoire from memory; must include at least one movement of a Classical sonata (Clementi, Haydn, Mozart or Beethoven) and a significant Romantic work.
Jury & prizes
Jury
- Deborah Moriarty (chair)
- Young Hyun Cho
- Stanislav Khristenko
- Derek Polischuk
- Zhihua Tang
- Ralph Votapek
- Eric Zuber
Prizes
- 1st prize: USD 5,000
- 2nd prize: USD 3,000
- 3rd prize: USD 2,000
- Best Classical Work, Best Romantic Work, Audience Prize: USD 500 each
- Semifinalists: USD 350
Past editions
To protect minors, we do not show the names of winners in categories open to under-18s. Category, age range and prize are always shown.
- 2025 — East Lansing sourceYoung artists · ages 14–18
- 1st prize — name not shown (category open to under-18s)
- 2nd prize — name not shown (category open to under-18s)
- 3rd prize — name not shown (category open to under-18s)
Summarised from official sources, last checked 10 Nov 2026. Main source