RIAM PianoFest 2026

A week-long feast of piano playing at the RIAM as students compete in numerous competitions across all ages and repertoire.

Closing date for registrations is 5.00 pm, Monday 5th January 2026.

Please note that you must provide the name and age of the student / competitor when registering.

Margaret O’Hea Recital Cup (17 years and over on 1st January 2026)

Own choice recital of not more than 20 minutes duration.

Audrey Chisholm Sonata Cup (17 years and over on 1st January 2026)

Own choice sonata of not more than 25 minutes duration. If preliminary rounds are required, maximum playing time will be 8 minutes per competitor.

Dorothy Stokes Rosebowl (14 to under 17 years on 1st January 2026)

One own-choice piece of not more than 6 minutes duration from one of the following stylistic periods: Baroque; Classical; Romantic; Impressionist; Twentieth Century; Contemporary. Rosebowl and runner-up prizes will be awarded to the competitors with the overall highest marks. Within each stylistic category, a First Prize will be awarded to the competitor with the highest mark.

Gillian Smith Recital Cup (14 to under 17 years on 1st January 2026)

Own choice recital of not more than 15 minutes duration.

Margaret Furlong Recital Cup (11 to under 14 years on 1st January 2026)

Own choice recital of not more than 12 minutes duration.

Valerie Walker Rosebowl (11 to under 14 years on 1st January 2026)

One own-choice piece of not more than 4 minutes duration from one of the following stylistic periods: Baroque; Classical; Romantic; Impressionist; Twentieth Century; Contemporary. Rosebowl and runner-up prizes will be awarded to the competitors with the overall highest marks. Within each stylistic category, a First Prize will be awarded to the competitor with the highest mark.

Joe Byrne Cup (9 to under 11 years 1st January 2026)

Own choice recital of not more than 9 minutes duration.

Sheila Rumbold Cup (under 9 years on 1st January 2026)

Two contrasting pieces of own choice totaling no more than 5 minutes duration.

• Dina Copeman Cup will be awarded by the adjudicator for the best performance of a work by Chopin within the Margaret O’Hea and/or Audrey Chisholm competitions. The winner must receive a mark of at least 85%.
• Deirdre Doyle Cup will be awarded by the adjudicator for the best performance of a work by a Russian composer within the Margaret O’Hea and/or Audrey Chisholm competitions. The winner must receive a mark of at least 85%.
• Benson Cup will be awarded by the adjudicator for the best performance of a work by J. S. Bach within the Margaret O’Hea and/or Audrey Chisholm competitions. The winner must receive a mark of at least 85%.

• Minor/Junior: €30.00 per competition
• Intermediate: €35.00 per competition
• Senior: €40.00 per competition

1. No competitor may perform the same piece in two different competitions.
2. Previous outright winners of any class may not re-enter that same competition.
3. A legible copy of each 'own choice' piece, in staff notation, must be provided for the adjudicator. Competitors' attention is drawn to the laws on copyright which prohibit the unauthorised photocopying of music. The RIAM assumes that anybody using photocopies has the permission of the publisher to do so.
4. Time limits will be strictly observed and the adjudicator will be asked to terminate performances that exceed the time limit.
5. In all cases, the decision of the adjudicator is final. The standard for award of first prize must be 85%, or second 80%. Result sheets will be disseminated to competitors by the adjudicator at the end of each competition. Certificates for prize-winners and commendations will be issued to teachers for distribution.
6. Changes in the allocated performance time may only be made with specific permission from the Junior Office. Such a change will only be allowed in genuine cases of difficulty and proof of the difficulty must be provided in writing, if and when requested.
7. All cups and trophies will be tenable for one year and recipients will be responsible for their care and maintenance whilst in his/her charge and for ensuring that they are returned promptly, in good and clean condition, to the Junior RIAM Office. All recipients are responsible for the cup prior to return.
8. The decision of the Board of Studies in all questions not provided for by these Rules and Conditions will be final.

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

Get App

Host or Publisher Royal Irish Academy of Music