The Queen Elisabeth Piano Competition is making a triumphant return in 2025. The last piano edition, originally scheduled for 2020, was postponed to 2021 due to the global COVID-19 crisis. While the competition proceeded without a live audience in the concert halls, the magic of the performances was felt only through screens.

The 2025 competition promises to deliver breathtaking performances in the live presence of an enthusiastic audience that has been eagerly waiting for four years.

Applications were open for classically trained pianists aged 18 to 31 years until Wednesday 27 November 2024. At the end of January 2025, a preselection round has taken place behind closed doors, for which the candidates submitted video recordings of their performances. The selected participants then proceed to the live rounds in May in Flagey and the Brussels Centre for Fine Arts, where they will face the challenge of performing in front of a distinguished international jury.

Throughout the Competition, the pianists interpret a diverse repertoire that spans various musical periods and styles. They also have to showcase their own interpretations of two imposed contemporary works, specially written for the Competition. One is part of the semi-final recital programme, the other - a work with orchestra accompaniment - has to be studied for the final without any external assistance during a week's stay at the Queen Elisabeth Music Chapel.

We are happy to welcome you to Flagey or the Centre for Fine Arts to discover these excellent musicians with us!