In order that they can express their individuality in their approach to music, competitors in the Dublin International Piano Competition may perform, with some exceptions, programmes of their own choice. These programmes should demonstrate an understanding of programme building, an ability to play in a variety of musical styles and most importantly to show the depth of their own musicianship, rather than mere technical brilliance.
With reference to the solo rounds, the repertoire must have been composed for solo piano and no alteration to the piano may take place. Strict adherence to time limits must be observed, and no piece may be played twice in the Competition. Works must be performed in their entirety; individual movements are not permitted.
As a tribute to the Competition’s Co-Founder and first Artistic Director, John O’Conor, each candidate must play a solo work by Ludwig van Beethoven from the following list in any one of the solo rounds of the Competition (not counting the application video):
In the Quarter-Finals, as part of their 40-minute programme, candidates will perform one of the four five-minute contemporary pieces commissioned by RTÉ lyric fm for the DIPC. These pieces will be composed by David Coonan, Roger Doyle, Ailís Ni Riain and Judith Ring and will be published by the Contemporary Music Centre, Dublin.
In the Semi-Finals, candidates will perform, in addition to their 40-minute solo programme, a piano quintet with the ConTempo Quartet.
To be submitted online by November 1st 2024:
15-minute video – own choice programme (which can include repertoire from the later Competition rounds)
The applications will be assessed by the Chairman of the Jury, Finghin Collins, along with one member of the Jury, Noriko Ogawa.
Results will be communicated by December 31st 2024.
To be submitted online by February 1st 2025 (65 pianists maximum):
30-minute recital – own choice programme
These videos will be available to the public to view online in February and March 2025. They will be judged remotely by six members of the international jury: Michel Béroff, Finghin Collins (chair), Piers Lane, Anne-Marie McDermott, Katie McGuinness and Noriko Ogawa.
Results will be communicated by February 28th 20255 and scores of the four commissioned contemporary pieces will be sent to the successful competitors.
May 9th/ 10th / 11th 2025 in the Whyte Recital Hall, Royal Irish Academy of Music, Dublin (28 pianists maximum):
40-minute solo recital to include one five-minute contemporary piece selected from the four pieces commissioned by RTÉ lyric fm for the DIPC. The commissioned composers for the 2025 Competition are David Coonan, Roger Doyle, Ailís Ni Riain and Judith Ring. .