About Us
The Ottawa International Music Competition and Festival is dedicated to nurturing the talents of young musicians 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 musicians 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 musicians 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 musicians 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 a versatile pianist based in New England, active as a soloist, chamber musician,
and collaborative artist. She has performed at major venues including Jordan Hall, the Isabella Stewart
Gardner Museum, Harvard Musical Association, and Newport Music Festival, with additional appearances across
North America, Europe, and Asia.
Committed to both standard and contemporary repertoire, Esther has premiered works by emerging
composers and performed complete cycles of Beethoven’s piano trios and sonatas.
She is on faculty at the Longy School of Music of Bard College and has previously taught at New
England Conservatory. She is Chair of the Bay State Piano Contest and serves on the Board of the Massachusetts
Music Teachers’ Association. Esther holds dual Master’s degrees from New England Conservatory and has received
fellowships from major international music festivals including Aspen and Yellow Barn.
Manuel García-Baró
Berklee College of Music
Manuel García-Baró is a Madrid-born composer and pianist based in Boston since 2010. His work reflects a diverse
musical background, with training in classical piano as well as jazz, Latin, and flamenco traditions. He studied
composition at the Real Conservatorio Superior de Música de Madrid and later received the Berklee/SGAE Scholarship
to attend Berklee College of Music, where he completed dual majors in Contemporary Writing and Production and Film
Scoring.
An active composer for film and media, his work includes projects for major brands such as Samsonite, Chewy,
and Dunkin’. He was awarded the St. Botolph Emerging Artist Award in 2018.
García-Baró is currently an Assistant Professor at Berklee College of Music. He also serves as Chair of the
Piano Department at the Community Music Center of Boston and teaches at the Concord Conservatory of Music.
Honored Jury
Yadong Guan
Yadong Guan is a Canada-based pipa virtuoso, composer, and educator, and founder of the Canada–China Youth Choir.
She holds degrees from the Central University for Nationalities and Université Laval, and is the first Chinese musician
appointed to teach at Carleton University’s Department of Music. Her work was featured in The Oxford Handbook of Music
in China and the Chinese Diaspora (2023).
An internationally active artist trained by master Lin Shicheng, she has performed widely and received major awards
for her compositions. Her students consistently achieve top results in leading competitions, including Gold Awards at the
2025 Dunhuang National Instrument Competition (North America).
Changfeng Xia
Changfeng Xia is an award-winning guzheng and guqin artist, educator, and cultural ambassador with nearly three decades of
experience in China and Canada. A graduate of Ningxia University, she has performed extensively as a soloist and ensemble musician.
Since relocating to Canada, she has appeared at major venues including the National Arts Centre and Parliament Hill, and
remains active in Ottawa’s cultural scene.
Ms. Xia is a member of the China Nationalities Orchestra Society and the China Guqin Art Association. She is the founder and
director of the LanLing Guzheng Arts Center in Ottawa, where she is dedicated to music education and the promotion of traditional
Chinese music.
Dr. Daniel Furtado
Dr. Daniel Furtado is an award-winning pianist and pedagogue holding a Doctor of Musical Arts in Piano Performance from
the University of British Columbia, along with advanced performance degrees from Lynn University (USA) and Sao Paulo
State University (Brazil). A Royal Conservatory of Music Advanced Specialist and 2024 Steinway Top Teacher, he was
inducted into the prestigious Steinway & Sons Teachers Hall of Fame in New York City.
Recognized for his artistry and mentorship, Dr. Furtado now teaches in Ottawa, where he prepares students for
examinations, competitions, festivals, and university-level studies at institutions across North America, with a strong
focus on artistic development and musical excellence.
Dr. Ruby Jin
Dr. Ruby Jin is an Ottawa-based pianist and educator recognized for her expressive artistry and technical excellence.
She has performed across Canada at venues and festivals including Ottawa Chamberfest, L'Oasis Musicale in Montreal,
and recital series in Edmonton and Vancouver, as well as internationally in China, South Korea, Germany, and the UK.
Her repertoire ranges from classical sonatas to contemporary works, and she is active in premiering new music. She
has released two albums: Schubert: Works for Violin and Piano and Echoes from the Nursery.
In addition to performing, Dr. Jin is deeply committed to music education and community outreach. She previously
taught at McGill University and regularly presents masterclasses and educational programs across Canada. Based in
Ottawa, she maintains an active teaching studio, with students earning awards in numerous competitions and festivals.
Dr. Jin also serves as an adjudicator and arts advocate within the National Capital Region. She holds a Doctor of
Music degree in Piano Performance from McGill University.
Minjing Zhang
Minjing Zhang is a pianist and music educator based in Ottawa, and the Artistic Director of the Ottawa International Music
Competition and Festival. She holds dual Master’s degrees in Piano Performance and Music Education from the Longy School
of Music of Bard College.
As a performer, she has appeared in China, the United States, and Europe, and has been recognized for her musical
sensitivity and artistic insight. A STEINWAY Educational Partner, Minjing is committed to supporting young musicians and
creating meaningful performance opportunities through her teaching and artistic leadership.
Nissita Francis
Nissita Francis is a pianist, educator, and adjudicator based in Ottawa, Canada. She holds an ARCT Diploma in Piano Performance
from The Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto, one of the highest levels of certification awarded by the institution.
Nissita is an accomplished performer who has earned numerous awards at music festivals throughout her formative years,
including a 2nd place finish at the ORMTA Provincial Competitions. She was also a consistent finalist at the provincial level
in Ontario, demonstrating both technical excellence and musical artistry from a young age.
Yang Li
Yang Li is one of the few Montreal's prominent professional Erhu players,professor, the Artistic director of the Montreal National Chamber Orchestra, she perform in the Butterfly Lovers Concert with Toronto Chinese Orchestra in 2019,and got the Outstanding Chinese Artist Award in Quebec Canada in the same year. Yang is a Chinese erhu player invited by the United Nations Headquarters, and a judge of the 5th and 6th (2022,2025)"Dunhuang Cup" North America.
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
-
18 years and under: Time limit 20 minutes | Entry fee: $70
Concerto and Duet Category Group Competition Guidelines:
- This category is open to both Piano and Chinese Instruments. Piano and Chinese Instrument participants will be evaluated in separate divisions, with independent adjudication and awards for each division.
- 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
35 Stafford Rd,
Nepean,
ON K2H 8V8
Sunday, May 24th, 2026
3:00 PM
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.
1.3 Participation Format
Participants may choose to compete either in person or in the Online Division. Online participants will follow the same category structure and time requirements as the live competition. Please refer to the Online Participation section below for detailed guidelines.
2. Eligibility and Categories
2.1 Eligibility
The competition is open to musicians 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. 5. Online Participation
Participants who are unable to attend in person may choose to compete in the Online Division. Online participants will be evaluated separately from live participants and ranked independently.
- Registration deadline: May 20, 2026
- Video submission deadline: May 30, 2026
5.1 Category & Time Requirements
Online participants will follow the same category structure and time limits as the live competition.
5.2 Category & Time Requirements
- All performances must be recorded in a single, continuous take (no editing).
- The camera must remain stationary throughout the performance.
- The performer’s hands and face must be clearly visible.
- Audio must be clear and unaltered, with no post-production enhancement.
5.3 Repertoire & Performance
- Repertoire must comply with the requirements of the selected category.
- Performers are encouraged to play from memory, though it is not mandatory.
5.4 Submission Guidelines
- Video format: MP4 or MOV
- File naming: Participant Name – Category
- Submission method:
- Late submissions will not be accepted. Participants are responsible for ensuring that their video links remain accessible until the results are announced.
Participants must submit a Google Drive link to their video via email to oimcfofficial@gmail.com.
A YouTube link (unlisted) may be accepted as an alternative. The submitted link must be accessible to the jury panel.
5.5 Adjudication
- All online submissions will be evaluated by the jury panel.
- Evaluation criteria are consistent with the live competition.
- Adjudication may begin prior to the final submission deadline.
- Due to the nature of video submissions, recording quality may be taken into consideration.
5.6 Results & Awards
- Results will be announced on May 31, 2026.
- Awards will be presented within the Online Division separately.
- Selected outstanding participants (including online participants) may be considered for special performance opportunities.
6. Copyright Policy and Sheet Music Requirements
6.1 Compliance with Canadian Copyright Law
To comply with Canadian copyright regulations, all participants must provide proof of legally obtained sheet music.
6.2 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.
6.3 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.
7. 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.
8. 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.
8.1 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.
8.2 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.
8.3 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 oimcfofficial@gmail.com.
Masterclass Registration and Information
-
Date and Location:
- Date: Sunday, May 24, 2026
- Time: 3:00 PM
- Location: Nepean Creative Arts Centre — recital hall
35 Stafford Rd,
Nepean,
ON K2H 8V8
- 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.
-
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.
-
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.