Grand Prix
The Stella Unica Grand Prix, the Competition’s highest honor, may be awarded to the most outstanding participant by the Jury.
️ 🏆 $500 Cash Prize
️ 🏆 Grand Prix Crystal Star Trophy
️ 🏆 Commemorative Gold Medal
️ 🏆 Grand Prix Diploma
The Grand Prix may be withheld if the required level of artistic excellence is not achieved.
Age Division Winners
Awards will be presented in each of the four age divisions based on the Jury's evaluation.
Junior Division (Ages 5–8)
🥇 First Prize - $150, Crystal Award, Gold Medal, Winner's Diploma
🥈 Second Prize - $100, Silver Medal, Diploma
🥉 Third Prize - $75, Bronze Medal, Diploma
🏅 1–2 Honorable Mentions - Honorable Mention Diploma
Pre-Intermediate Division (Ages 9–11)
🥇 First Prize - $150, Crystal Award, Gold Medal, Winner's Diploma
🥈 Second Prize - $100, Silver Medal, Diploma
🥉 Third Prize - $75, Bronze Medal, Diploma
🏅 1–2 Honorable Mentions - Honorable Mention Diploma
Intermediate Division (Ages 12–14)
🥇 First Prize — $200, Crystal Award, Gold Medal, Winner's Diploma
🥈 Second Prize — $150, Silver Medal, Diploma
🥉 Third Prize — $100, Bronze Medal, Diploma
🏅 1–2 Honorable Mentions — Honorable Mention Diploma
Senior Division (Ages 15–18)
🥇 First Prize — $200, Crystal Award, Gold Medal, Winner's Diploma
🥈 Second Prize — $150, Silver Medal, Diploma
🥉 Third Prize — $100, Bronze Medal, Diploma
🏅 1–2 Honorable Mentions — Honorable Mention Diploma
Piano Ensemble & Piano Concerto Awards
For each age division, the Jury will select outstanding performances in the following categories:
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Piano Ensemble: Piano Duet or Piano Trio
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Piano Concerto
Each Age Division Winner in these categories will receive:
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Crystal Star Award
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Exclusive Stella Unica Gold Medal
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Age Division Winner's Diploma
Important: The Jury reserves the right not to award any prize if the required artistic standard is not met. In exceptional cases, a prize may be shared equally between participants or an additional prize may be awarded when justified by outstanding performances.
Special Composer Awards
Special Awards may be presented for outstanding performances of works by:
Any published piano work by these composers is eligible.
Winners of the Special Composer Awards will receive a Special Award Diploma, autographed sheet music from the composers, and an exclusive Stella Unica medal.
Recipients will receive:
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Special Composer Award Diploma
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Autographed sheet music from the composer
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Exclusive Stella Unica Medal
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Exclusive Stella Unica Signature Gift Bag
National Heritage Awards
Celebrating the rich musical traditions of nations through outstanding piano performance.
Armenian Heritage Award - $200 Cash Prize
Presented in recognition of an outstanding performance celebrating the rich traditions of Armenian musical heritage.
Jewish Heritage Award - $200 Cash Prize
Presented in recognition of an outstanding performance celebrating the rich traditions of Jewish musical heritage.
Russian Heritage Award - $200 Cash Prize
Presented in recognition of an outstanding performance celebrating the rich traditions of Russian musical heritage.
Ukrainian Heritage Award - $200 Cash Prize
Presented in recognition of an outstanding performance celebrating the rich traditions of Ukrainian musical heritage.
Additional National Heritage Awards may be established during the competition with the support of cultural organizations, sponsors, and donors.
Recipients will be selected by the Competition Jury based on artistic excellence, stylistic understanding, and the overall quality of the performance.
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Youngest Participant Award
Presented to the youngest participant(s) of the Competition in recognition of their enthusiasm, musical achievement, and promising artistic journey.
Recipients will receive:
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Youngest Participant Award Diploma
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Special Commemorative Award
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Exclusive Stella Unica Plush Mascot
Special Jury Awards
At the Jury’s discretion, Special Diplomas may be awarded for:
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️ Best Baroque Performance
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️ Best Classical Performance
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️ Best Romantic Performance
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️ Best Contemporary Performance
Additional Special Awards may be presented for exceptional artistic achievement.
Winners' Gala Concerts
Selected winners may be invited to perform at the Stella Unica Winners’ Gala Concerts on November 14, 2026, at Tracy Powers Concert Hall in Belmont, Massachusetts, USA.
Winners who are unable to attend in person remain eligible to receive all awarded prizes. At the discretion of the Competition Director, awards may be shipped following prior arrangement. Shipping and any related delivery costs, including insurance and customs fees where applicable, are the responsibility of the recipient.
Teacher Recognition
Every teacher represented in the Competition will receive a Teacher Recognition Certificate.
General Award Provisions
A participant may receive only one major cash prize. Cash prizes are not cumulative.
The Competition reserves the right to request a birth certificate or other official proof of age to verify a participant’s eligibility.
The Jury reserves the right to withhold any award if the required artistic standard is not achieved.
All decisions of the Jury are final.