Stella Unica International Young Artist Piano Competition
Information & Regulations
The Stella Unica International Young Artist Piano Competition invites pianists ages 5–18 to demonstrate their artistry, receive professional evaluation, and compete for prizes and special awards.
Competition Format & Important Dates
The Piano Competition is conducted through online video submissions.
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Application Deadline: October 25, 2026
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Live Winners’ Gala Concerts: November 14, 2026
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Performance Sessions: 3:00 PM and 4:30 PM
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Stella Unica Online Winners’ Concert: December 1, 2026
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All Competition winners will be invited to perform at the live Winners’ Gala Concerts and receive recognition for their achievements.
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Winners who are unable to attend in person may be featured in the prerecorded Online Winners’ Concert using their previously submitted competition videos. The online concert may also include selected recordings from the live Gala Concerts.
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Additional details will be announced at a later date.
Live Concert Venue
Tracy Powers Concert Hall
Age Divisions & Maximum Performance Time
Participants will be assigned to a division based on their age as of November 14, 2026:
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Junior Division: Ages 5–8 — up to 5 minutes
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Pre-Intermediate Division: Ages 9–11 — up to 7 minutes
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Intermediate Division: Ages 12–14 — up to 10 minutes
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Senior Division: Ages 15–18 — up to 12 minutes
Performance Categories & Repertoire
Piano Solo
One or two contrasting works from the Baroque, Classical, Romantic, Impressionist, or 20th- and 21st-century repertoire.
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Please see the Awards page for additional repertoire options featuring contemporary composers and selected works eligible for National Awards.
Piano Ensemble
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Piano Duet: One piano, four hands or two pianos
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Piano Trio: One piano, six hands
Participants may perform one or two contrasting works from any musical period.
Piano Concerto
One movement of a piano concerto, with the orchestral part performed on a second piano.
General Requirements
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The competition is open exclusively to pianists.
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Only published music may be performed.
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Simplified arrangements are not permitted.
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The same repertoire may not be entered in more than one category.
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Memorization is required for Piano Solo.
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Scores are permitted for Piano Ensemble and Piano Concerto performances.
Participation Fees
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Piano Solo: $75 per participant
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Piano Duet: $45 per participant
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Piano Trio: $35 per participant
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Piano Concerto: $95 per participant
A separate application and fee are required for each category. Application fees are non-refundable.
Teacher Participation
Teachers accompanying their students in the Piano Concerto category are exempt from the participation fee.
Awards
Please review the complete list of prizes, awards, and special distinctions on the Piano Competition Awards page:
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View Piano Competition Awards →
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Each participating teacher will receive a Teacher Recognition Certificate.
Winners' Concerts
Selected winners will be invited to perform in the live Winners’ Concerts in Massachusetts. Participation in a Winners’ Concert does not require an additional fee.
Winners who cannot attend in person will be invited to participate in an online Winners’ Concert.
Award Delivery
Physical awards may be mailed to winners who cannot attend the live concerts.
Shipping arrangements must be coordinated in advance with the Competition Director.
Participation confirms acceptance of these regulations. Incomplete or ineligible applications may be disqualified.
Permissions
Stella Unica may announce Competition results. Winners may be asked to provide a photograph and short biography for publication with the results and awards.
Photography and audio and video recording will take place during the Winners’ Gala Concerts. Materials recorded at the live concerts or submitted for the Online Winners’ Concert may be used to document and share Competition activities and participants’ achievements.
By attending a live concert or submitting materials for the online concert, participants and their parents or legal guardians consent to such use.
Questions or special circumstances should be discussed with the Competition Director in advance. Participation in the Competition confirms acceptance of these regulations.