About Us
The Ottawa International Music Competition and Festival is dedicated to nurturing the talents of young pianists by offering them opportunities to perform on some of the world’s most prestigious stages. These include Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center in New York, Harvard University, the Boston Symphony Hall, Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles, Melbourne The Edge Concert Hall, and the Shanghai Oriental Art Center. Our mission is to inspire young pianists to pursue musical excellence and artistic growth by providing platforms to showcase their talent and passion.
We are committed to promoting diversity and cultural exchange. We believe that exposure to different musical traditions and cultures enriches the artistic development of our participants and broadens their global perspective.
By connecting young pianists with international audiences, we aim to deepen appreciation and love for music as a universal language.
In addition to performance opportunities, we offer masterclasses, workshops, and gala concerts led by renowned musicians and educators. These programs provide valuable guidance and support to help young pianists reach their full potential and prepare for successful music careers.
Honored Presidents
Esther Ning Yau
Longy School of Music of Bard College
New England Conservatory
Esther Ning Yau is an active and versatile pianist based in the New England region. Known for her work in chamber music, Esther’s expertise extends to the realms of solo piano, orchestral piano and even other keyboard instruments such as harpsichord and celesta. Esther has been featured in concerts at Jordan Hall, Emmanuel Music Chamber Series, Harvard Musical Association Concert Series, Harvard-Epworth Concert Series, Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum Concert Series, Longy SeptemberFest, WCRB Live at Copley, Newport Music Festival and Bar Harbor Music Festival.
Esther has also appeared in numerous concert venues further afield, including Merkin Concert Hall in New York, Museum of Arts in Puerto Rico, Giovanni Arvedi Auditorium in Cremona, Esplanade Recital Studio in Singapore, National Concert Hall in Taipei and Government House in her hometown Hong Kong.
An adventurous musician, Esther has performed many young composers’ works (such as Garrett Byrnes’ Concerto for Piano and Chamber Orchestra and Derek Bermel’s Tied Shifts for Flute, Clarinet, Violin, Cello, Piano and Percussion), in addition to the standard repertoire. In recent years, Esther has been programming complete cycles of works. To date, she has successfully performed cycles of Beethoven’s piano trios, violin sonatas and cello sonatas. The upcoming season will feature cycles of Schumann’s piano trios, violin sonatas and cello-piano works and Brahms' complete sonatas for piano and violin.
Esther is a faculty member of Longy School of Music of Bard College and was faculty member at New England Conservatory's Preparatory and Continuing Education departments and member of the New England Conservatory Alumni Council. She is the chair of the Bay State Piano Contest in Massachusetts and on the Board of the Massachusetts Music Teachers' Association. In the summer, she also teaches at the Cremona International Music Academy in Italy. She holds a double Master’s Degree in Piano Performance and Collaborative Piano from New England Conservatory, where she studied with Patricia Zander and Irma Vallecillo. Honors received include fellowships from International Institute of Vocal Arts in Italy, UCLA Song Festival, Aspen Music Festival, Music Academy of the West and Yellow Barn Music Festival.
Manuel García-Baró
Berklee College of Music
Born in Madrid (Spain), Manuel García-Baró is a composer and pianist based in Boston (USA) since 2010. Always interested in diverse styles of music, he studied classical piano with the Armenian master Serouj Kradjian, while also studying jazz, Latin, and flamenco with Adolfo Delgado and Pepe Rivero. His composition studies span a wide range of stylistic approaches. He initially studied modern harmony and arranging, and later delved into classical harmony and counterpoint.
After graduating in Philosophy from the Universidad Pontificia Comillas, he entered the Real Conservatorio Superior de Música de Madrid, where he majored in classical composition.
In 2010, he was awarded the Berklee/SGAE scholarship to study at Berklee College of Music in Boston, where he completed a dual major in Contemporary Writing and Production and Film Scoring, along with a minor in Scoring for Video Games. He received the St. Botolph Emerging Artist Award in 2018.
Currently, he is an Assistant Professor at Berklee College of Music. He also serves as the Chair of the Piano Department at the Community Music Center of Boston and teaches at the Concord Conservatory of Music. In addition, he maintains an active career as a freelance composer for media and film, having scored multiple commercials for brands such as Samsonite, Chewy, and Dunkin', among many others.
Honored Jury
Tamara Smolyar
Monash University School of Music
First Prize winner, Ukrainian National Chamber Music Competition
Doctor of Musical Arts
Jerry Wong
Steinway Artist
University of Melbourne Conservatorium of Music
Doctor of Musical Arts, Manhattan School of Music
Caroline Almonte
Melbourne Conservatorium of Music
Chamber musician
Minjing Zhang
Steinway Education Partner
Artistic Director of the Ottawa International Music Competition and Festival
Piano Group
Piano RCM Level Group
Each RCM level is treated as an independent category to ensure fair competition.
Contestants must register for the level that corresponds to their skill level based on the RCM syllabus.
Elementary Piano Level
- RCM Level Prep A & Prep B Category - $45/group
(Time limit: 5 minutes)
- RCM Level 1 Category - $45/group
(Time limit: 5 minutes)
- RCM Level 2 Category - $45/group
(Time limit: 5 minutes)
- RCM Level 3 Category - $50/group
(Time limit: 8 minutes)
Junior Piano Level
- RCM Level 4 Category - $50/group
(Time limit: 8 minutes)
- RCM Level 5 Category - $55/group
(Time limit: 10 minutes)
- RCM Level 6 Category - $55/group
(Time limit: 10 minutes)
Intermediate Piano Level
- RCM Level 7 Category - $60/group
(Time limit: 12 minutes)
- RCM Level 8 Category - $60/group
(Time limit: 12 minutes)
Senior Piano Level
- RCM Level 9 Category - $65/group
(Time limit: 15 minutes)
- RCM Level 10 Category - $70/group
(Time limit: 20 minutes)
RCM Level Group Competition Guidelines:
- Repertoire Selection: Contestants must perform pieces selected from the RCM syllabus corresponding to their chosen level.
- The order of performance for participants will be determined by the organizing committee based on the alphabetical order of the participants' names.
- If participants' registration information or selected repertoire does not meet the requirements, they will be disqualified from receiving awards without further notice.
- If a participant exceeds the time limit, the judges have the right to stop the performance, which will not affect the competition results.
- The evaluation results will be determined by an independent jury.
Concerto and Duet Category Group
- 8 years and under: Time limit 15 minutes | Entry fee: $70
- 14 years and under: Time limit 18 minutes | Entry fee: $70
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18 years and under: Time limit 20 minutes | Entry fee: $70
Concerto and Duet Category Group Competition Guidelines:
- If participants' registration information or selected repertoire does not meet the requirements, they will be disqualified from receiving awards without further notice.
- If a participant exceeds the time limit, judges have the right to stop the performance, which will not affect the competition results.
- Evaluation results will be determined by an independent jury, and all decisions are final.
Chinese Instruments Group
Elementary Level
- RCM Level 1 Category - $35/group
(Time limit: 5 minutes)
- RCM Level 2 Category - $35/group
(Time limit: 5 minutes)
- RCM Level 3 Category - $35/group
(Time limit: 5 minutes)
Junior Level
- RCM Level 4 Category - $40/group
(Time limit: 8 minutes)
- RCM Level 5 Category - $40/group
(Time limit: 10 minutes)
- RCM Level 6 Category - $40/group
(Time limit: 10 minutes)
Intermediate Level
- RCM Level 7 Category - $45/group
(Time limit: 12 minutes)
- RCM Level 8 Category - $45/group
(Time limit: 12 minutes)
Senior Level
- RCM Level 9 Category - $50/group
(Time limit: 15 minutes)
- RCM Level 10 Category - $50/group
(Time limit: 15 minutes)
Chinese Instruments Group Competition Guidelines:
- Chinese Instruments classes are organized by Level only, and all instruments will be adjudicated together within the same Level.
- No distinction is made between instrument categories.
- Participants should register according to their current level of study.
- Performers who are preparing for or have completed a licentiate, advanced certificate, or diploma program may enter Advanced level classes.
- All Chinese instruments are eligible to enter this division, including but not limited to bowed strings, plucked strings, winds, and percussion.
- All repertoire must be appropriate to the performer’s level.
- If multiple selections are performed, they should be contrasting in style, tempo, and character.
- Adjudicators will take into account the characteristics of each instrument to ensure a fair and balanced evaluation.
- The Festival reserves the right to combine or adjust classes as necessary.
Rules
1. General Provisions
The Ottawa International Music Competition & Festival (OIMCF) aims to provide a platform for musicians to showcase their technical skills and musical artistry. The event promotes excellence in performance and fosters artistic growth.
1.1 Date and Venue
Competition Date:
Piano Category: May 22th - 24th, 2026
Chinese Instruments Category: 29th & 31th, 2026
Venue:
Nepean Creative Arts Centre — recital hall
Piano Master Class Date:
TBA
1.2 Applicability
These rules apply to all participants. By registering, contestants agree to adhere to all provisions herein. The Organizing Committee reserves the right to interpret these rules and make final decisions.
2. Eligibility and Categories
2.1 Eligibility
The competition is open to pianists of all nationalities and residencies.
The competition consists of two distinct groups:
Performance Group – Based on age divisions, independent of RCM level.
RCM Level Group – Based on performance level defined by the Royal Conservatory of Music (RCM) syllabus.
Contestants may only register for one group (either the RCM Level Group or the Performance Group).
Contestants are responsible for ensuring they register in the correct group and category.
2.2 Performance Group
Contestants in the Performance Group are categorized solely by age, regardless of their RCM level. This group is designed for those who wish to compete based on age divisions rather than skill-based levels.
Age Divisions:
Contestants will be assigned to a division based on their age as of May 24th, 2024.
Parents & teachers must ensure the contestant's age is entered correctly during registration.
Winners may be required to provide proof of age before receiving awards.
Any age discrepancies will result in disqualification.
Repertoire Requirements:
Check the Age Division chart for time limits and repertoire.
Repertoire may be chosen from the following period classifications:
Good choice of literature will count for much in the judges' evaluations.
All music must be performed from memory.
Solo parts from piano concerti may NOT be used.
Transcriptions and paraphrases that are recognized as part of the standard solo canon are acceptable.
No arrangements or simplifications will be permitted.
2.3 RCM Level Group
Each RCM level is treated as an independent category to ensure fair competition. Contestants must register for the level that corresponds to their skill level based on the RCM syllabus.
Self-Assessment Requirement: Contestants must accurately assess their level and register accordingly. Under-registration (choosing a lower category than one's true ability) is strictly prohibited.
Progression Rule: If a contestant competes in one year, they must register for a higher level in subsequent years.
Repertoire Selection: Contestants must perform pieces selected from the RCM syllabus corresponding to their chosen level.
3. Judging & Evaluation Criteria
Each Division (or sub-division) will have two judges. The judges will work together to evaluate the contestants and determine awards for each division.
During the competition, contestants will remain anonymous to the judges (identified only by number), until after awards are determined.
Contestants in all Divisions will be evaluated on the following:
- Interpretation (as written in the submitted musical score)
- Tone
- Tempo
- Dynamics
- Phrasing
- Technique
- Memorization
- Stage Presence
- Choice of Literature
4. Registration & Deadlines
4.1 Registration Method
Online-Only Registration
- All registrations must be completed online via the official competition website.
- Teachers and parents are responsible for ensuring all details are correctly entered.
- All contestants must submit a signed media release form before their participation is confirmed.
- Parents must complete the media release using their child's registration ID.
- Contestants without a completed media release form will not be allowed to compete.
4.2 Registration Period & Deadlines
Registration Opens: April 15th, 2026
Registration Closes:May 20th, 2026
First-Come, First-Served Policy:
- Due to limited space and scheduling constraints, registrations will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.
- No Late Registrations Accepted.
- Registration fees are not refundable.
4.3 Confirmation & Responsibility
Registration Confirmation:
- After successful submission, parents will receive a confirmation email with a unique registration ID.
- This ID will be required for media release submission and future inquiries.
Accuracy & Compliance:
- Teachers and parents must verify that all information entered during registration is accurate and complete.
- By registering, participants agree to all competition rules, copyright policies, and media release terms.
5. Copyright Policy and Sheet Music Requirements
5.1 Compliance with Canadian Copyright Law
To comply with Canadian copyright regulations, all participants must provide proof of legally obtained sheet music.
5.2 Requirements for Sheet Music
Participants must provide original, legally purchased copies of their performance pieces for the adjudicators.
Acceptable formats include:
- A commercially published book or sheet music.
- A legally downloaded and printed piece with proof of purchase (e.g., a receipt).
Prohibition of Unauthorized Copies
Photocopies and unauthorized digital copies are strictly prohibited.
The only exceptions are cases where written permission from the publisher or copyright holder is provided.
If a contestant performs a public domain piece, they must provide evidence confirming its public domain status.
5.3 Consequences for Non-Compliance
Failure to adhere to these guidelines may result in disqualification.
Contestants are solely responsible for ensuring they meet all copyright requirements.
6. On the Day of the Contest
Students must arrive 30 minutes before their assigned time to check-in.
Students must bring a hard copy of the score/clean original edition of their music, with numbered measures, for the judges. Music must be presented at the check-in for approval. No photocopies are allowed. Printouts legally downloaded online are allowed. No student or teacher's name should be on the score. Students without music will not be eligible to compete.
The contest is open to the public and teachers, parents and students can listen quietly at the back of the room/recital hall. Please respect the judges, monitors, and competitors at all times. In case of any disturbance to the contest, you will be asked to leave the room. Please do not approach and talk to any judges.
7. Award Structure and Evaluation Criteria
The awards for the 2026 Ottawa International Piano Competition and Festival will be determined based on the average scores assigned by an expert panel of judges.
7.1 Prize Allocation
Within each competition category, the following awards will be presented:
Top Placements:
- First Place
- Second Place
- Third Place
These placements will be awarded to the participants who achieve the three highest average scores in each group.
Class Awards (based on score distribution):
- First Prize: Top 30% of remaining participants
- Second Prize: Next 40%
- Third Prize: Final 30%
These percentages serve as general guidelines. The final number and distribution of awards may be adjusted based on the number of participants and the overall performance level, at the discretion of the jury.
7.2 Grouping and Categories
All participants within the same Royal Conservatory of Music (RCM) level will be evaluated together as a single group. Final rankings and prize decisions will be based on the average scores of all contestants within each RCM level.
Participants in the Performance Category will be grouped and evaluated according to their respective age divisions.
7.3 Final Determination
The official ranking and award distribution will be finalized by the adjudication panel after thorough review and consideration.
The organizing committee reserves the right of final interpretation and decision concerning all award matters.
If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact us at info@oipcf.com.
Masterclass Registration and Information
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Date and Location:
- Date: May 25, 2026
- Location: To be confirmed
- Eligibility: The masterclass is only open to registered competition participants.
- Age Group: The masterclass is open to all ages.
- Limited Spots: There are a limited number of spots available, and registrations will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.
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How to Register: After successfully registering for the competition, you can sign up for the masterclass via email. Please send the following information:
- Full Name of the participant
- Age
- Competition category
- Piece you wish to perform in the masterclass
- Composer’s name
- Time period of the piece
- Duration of the piece
- Important: Sending the email does not guarantee a spot in the masterclass. The final list of participants will be announced one week before the competition.
- Fees: The masterclass fee is $150 for a 30-minute session. Once your name is confirmed on the list, you will receive an email with payment instructions.
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Cancellation and Refund Policy:
- Once the final list of participants is confirmed, cancellations or changes to the masterclass registration will not be accepted.
- No refunds will be issued after the final list is announced.