In 2021 the Queen Elisabeth Competition is dedicated to the piano. This competition is for musicians who have completed their training and who are ready to embark upon an international career. From 3 to 29 May the best young pianists from the four corners of the world will compete in Brussels. Because some candidates had to withdraw, 58 candidates will participate instead of the 74, that were selected for the Competition that initially was to take place in May 2020.

Due to the sanitary situation, we have made a number of changes to the organisation of the competition rounds. With these adjustments, we remain true to the Competition's artistic demands, while minimising the impact on the candidates’ preparation.

The major changes are:

• An extra noon session has been added on Tuesday and Wednesday in the first round, so that the usual sessions at 4pm and 8pm do not last too long.
• The number of semi-finalists is limited to 12 instead of 24.
• Each semi-finalist will play his recital and concerto during one performance and not on two different days.
• The number of finalists is limited to 6 instead of 12.
• All candidates will be reimbursed 50% of their travel costs and not only the semi-finalists.
• The semi-finalists who do not proceed to the final will each receive an amount of €2,000 instead of €1,000.

A committee of medical specialists has developed a health protocol to ensure the safety of everyone throughout the 2021 Piano Competition : Count Yvan de Launoit (Chairman), Prof Nathan Clumeck, Prof Michel Goldman, Prof Isabel Leroux-Roels and GP Thierry Renard.