How it all began

The 1980’s Ireland, which was in the throes of an economic recession, was an unlikely setting for high-profile international events. It was audacious to contemplate establishing an international piano competition in Ireland to rival other leading events in the world. But in 1987, that is what John O’Conor, already winner of international competitions including the Beethoven  and the Bösendorfer Competitions in Vienna, and Ann Fuller created. With Laurie Cearr, then PR Manager with the RTÉ Performing Groups, and Ida Delamer, the renowned silver expert, the embryonic management team launched the Dublin International Piano Competition, with the first competition taking place the following year, 1988.

The Competition offers a generous prize fund, but perhaps the most important prize is the prestigious list of engagements secured for the winner. These include début concerts in London and New York, as well as appearances at international festivals and multiple engagements throughout Ireland.  Previous winners have launched highly successful international careers from this springboard and have become high-profile names in the Irish and international musical scenes.

The Dublin International Piano Competition makes a dynamic contribution to the cultural enhancement of Dublin.  It is inclusive and impressive, bringing the Competitors on a unique journey with a rewarding result.

The Competition attracts an enormous international entry and is adjudicated by distinguished members of the music profession from around the world.  From 1988 until 2022 the Jury was chaired by the Competition’s Artistic Director John O’Conor.  In March 2023 Irish pianist Finghin Collins was appointed Artistic Director and Chairman of the Jury from the 2025 Competition onwards.

Corporate sponsorship has sustained the competition from the beginning. The first three competitions were generously supported by the GPA Group.  In 1994, sponsorship was taken over by Guardian Insurance, and when AXA acquired the company in 1999, AXA also took over title sponsorship for the next decade.

The Competition is now funded through a mix of statutory funding, corporate sponsorship, larger philanthropic donations and smaller individual benefactors.

The Dublin International Piano Competition is a member of the Alink-Argerich Foundation.

Previous winners currently engaged in successful careers include:

• 1988 Philippe Cassard, France
• 1991 Pavel Nersessian, Russia
• 1994 Davide Franceschetti, Italy
• 1997 Max Levinson, USA
• 2000 Alexei Nabioulin, Russia
• 2003 Antti Siirala, Finland
• 2006 Romain Descharmes, France
• 2009 Alexej Gorlatch, Ukraine
• 2012 Nikolay Khozyainov, Russia
• 2015 Nathalia Milstein, France
• 2018 Sae Yoon Chon, South Korea
• 2022 Yukine Kuroki, Japan

The Competition has supported young Irish pianists and fostered their talent since the inception of the event. A separate Irish Round is held for entrants who hold Irish nationality. Extensive mentoring programmes have enhanced the lives and careers of multiple Irish pianists down through the years.   The Charles J. Brennan Prize of €1,500 is awarded to the highest-placed Irish competitor in the DIPC, alongside engagements in Ireland including a concerto with the RTÉ Concert Orchestra. In recent years, the McCullough Bursary of €7,500 has been added to the suite of prizes awarded to the highest-placed Irish competitor, making this a very significant award indeed.

Winners of the Brennan Prize at the DIPC since 1988 are as follows:

• 1988 Dearbhaile O’Donnell
• 1991 Dearbhla Collins
• 1994 Stuart O’Sullivan
• 1997 Finghin Collins
• 2000 Maria McGarry
• 2003 Cathal Breslin
• 2006 Michael McHale
• 2009 Fiachra Garvey
• 2012 Nadene Fiorentini
• 2015 Seán Morgan-Rooney
• 2018 Eoín Fleming
• 2022 Rowel Friers

Mission Statement

The Dublin International Piano Competition was established in 1987 with the following aims:

• To provide an opportunity for young Irish pianists to participate in an international competition of the highest standard;
• To bring to Dublin the world’s best young professional pianists;
• To offer the Competitors  the opportunity of being heard by international agents and press under concert conditions which will help launch them on a successful professional performing career;
• To present prizewinner recitals in major concert halls abroad, such as New York’s Carnegie Hall, and a debut recital in London, to broaden their career opportunities.
• To negotiate with and obtain agents to assist the progress of their careers;
• To promote the cultural identity of Ireland abroad;
• To generate a more widespread interest and awareness of the work of Irish composers by commissioning works which will be played in the quarter-finals of the Competition;
• To promote the performance of music through concerts which are not mainstream events.

Strategic Plan

Case For Support

International Case For Support

The Organisation

Patrons & Board of Directors