On Thursday 2 July, the Leeds International Piano Competition unveils its 22nd Edition. Join us live at 1pm.*
For more than sixty years, the Leeds International Piano Competition has helped shape the future of piano playing. The names tell the story — Murray Perahia, Radu Lupu, Mitsuko Uchida and András Schiff, and, more recently, Eric Lu, Junyan Chen and Jaeden Izik-Dzurko. The Leeds has always been a home for pianists with something distinctive to say.
On Thursday 2 July, we launch the 22nd Edition and reveal the full shape of the 2027 Competition. It marks the beginning of a new chapter — under a new Artistic Director, and with significant developments designed to support the next generation of artists. A great deal is changing. What endures is everything that has always defined the Leeds: exceptional artistry, openness, integrity, and a deep care for the individual musician.
We won’t give it all away before the day. But we can say that this is among the boldest reimaginings in the Competition’s history — and the best way to discover it is to be there as it unfolds.
Whether you teach, play, programme, or simply love the piano, we would be glad to have you with us. Teachers, in particular, know when a student is ready to take the next step, and we hope you’ll consider which of yours might flourish in the challenge, the visibility and the artistic opportunity the Leeds can offer. We are especially keen to hear from exceptional pianists who may not have seen themselves reflected in the traditional competition landscape.
Watch the launch live: 1pm (1300 BST), Thursday 2 July 2026
Applications open on 2 July and close on 31 October 2026.
Please do share the launch with anyone who should see it.