Silicon Valley Open doors

international piano competition

Change lives, unite people, and help build a better world through the transformative power of music

GENERAL
Pre-Competition
Competition
Final Selection
REPERTOIRE

GENERAL RULES

  • The Silicon Valley Open Doors International Concerto Competition 2026 is open to performers of piano and string instruments.

  • The applicants are divided into four categories by 4 age groups (age is calculated as of May 15, 2026):

    • Junior Division: 6-10 years old

    • Young Artists Division: 11 - 14 years old

    • Senior Division: 15 - 19 years old

    • Adults Division: 20+ years old

  • Applicants must submit a YouTube link to a video recording of one or more movements of a concerto, performed with orchestra, with piano accompaniment, or as a solo performance. All repertoire must be performed from memory.

  • All stages of the competition are conducted online and are evaluated based on submitted video recordings. No live concerts or in-person appearances are required.

  • A minimum of six finalists in each category will be selected to advance to the final round.

  • The application deadline is May 15, 2026. All applications are due by 11:59 p.m. PST on May 15, 2026. No late or partial applications will be accepted.

  • All applicants must submit a nonrefundable application fee of One Hundred Dollars USD ($100), payable by credit card or PayPal. In case you do not have a credit card or PayPal, please contact us via Contact Form. Applications will not be accepted without payment.

  • Applicants will not be allowed to submit unless all information and payment are complete.

  • Results will be announced by June 5, 2026.

  • The names of the Winners and Semifinalists will be published on this website and communicated to participants via email.

  • The decisions of the Jury are final and not subject to appeal.

  • Prizes will be distributed and Certificates of Recognition will be awarded to the winning performers.

APPLY

RULES OF THE PRE-COMPETITION STAGE

Applications include uploads of:

  • YouTube Video recording. YouTube link is strongly preferred. (If you send files, please note: videos should not exceed 5 GB per file).

  • Passport, birth certificate, or equivalent proof of age;

  • One high resolution color photograph: 300 dpi or higher, color headshot looking directly at the camera; and

  • Short biography of the applicant, not to exceed 1000 words.

All applications will be initially reviewed by a Selection Committee. The Competition reserves the right to request additional information from or about the applicant. All applicants are notified by May 25, 2026 whether or not they were selected to proceed to the Competition Stage.

RULES FOR THE COMPETITION STAGE

  • Applicants DO NOT NEED to send any new files/recordings NOR to pay any extra fees for this Stage. Your initial registration with payment and recordings will be used by the Panel of Jurors to select the winner.

  • Through the thorough review process, the Selection Committee advances applicants from each Age Category/Division to the Competition Round for review by the Panel of Jurors.

  • Names of the applicants who proceed to the Competition Round for the review by the Panel of Jurors are announced on this website. Please see the deadlines above. A separate email is sent to each applicant with information if they proceed or not to the Competition Stage.

  • The Competition Stage consists of one round.

  • Jurors are independent; their students are not allowed to apply if they participate on the Panel of Jurors. Applicants may not contact or speak with any member of the Panel of Jurors while they are active in the Competition. Any violation of this rule may disqualify the applicant.

registration is now open

RULES FOR THE FINAL SELECTION STAGE AND WINNER ANNOUNCEMENTS

  • The Winners are announced on the website and via email on June 5, 2026. 

  • There are three winners in each Division with 1st, 2nd, and 3rd places. The Jurors reserve the right not to grant a place in a certain Division. There might be Honorary Mention(s).

  • By applying to this competition, the applicants release the right to post their performances on the Silicon Valley Open Doors International Music Competition website.

  • Winners’ photos and bios are posted on the website.

  • Winners’ performances are posted on the website.

REPERTOIRE REQUIREMENTS AND VIDEO SUBMISSION

The choice of concerto is left to the discretion of the applicant.

Videos shall be submitted through the online application form.

All videos must be filmed with both the pianist’s face, hands, and pedal in the frame at all times. Videos must not be filmed more than six (6) months prior to submission.