This year’s New Orleans International Piano Competition, whose 30th edition ran from July 18-26, has announced its winners.
In first place came Evgeny Konnov (Russia), followed by Shangru Du (China) and Adria Ye (USA).
The Jury Discretionary Award when to Yu-Ang Fan (China). The Best Performance of the Commissioned Work to Kevin Ahfat (Canada), and the Best Performance of a Work by Chopin to Shangru Du.
The competition used all Steinway pianos, and was held in conjunction with the annual summer New Orleans Piano Institute and Keyboard Festival.
Repertoire
Each finalist was required to perform a new solo work composed by Courtney Bryan, during either semi final 1 or 2, as well as memorised public recitals, and a memorised full concerto for piano and orchestra (performed with the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra) from a range of classical music.
Prizes
First Prize
- $25,000 ($10,000 cash award, $15,000 performance fees*)
- A studio recording on the Steinway & Sons Label (value of $40,000)
- Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra Opening Night, September 17, 2026 performing Rachmaninoff Piano Concerto No. 2
- Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra for the 2027-2028 Season
- Acadiana Symphony Orchestra
- Baton Rouge Symphony Orchestra
- Solo Recitals:
- Solo Recital on the Tuesday Matinee Series in New York’s Merkin Concert Hall for the 2027-2028 Season
- Solo Recital on the University of New Orleans Musical Excursions Series, 2027-2028 Season
- Career consultation with Concert Artists Guild
Second Prize
- $15,000 ($12,000 cash award, $3,000 performance fee*)
- Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra Season Finale, May 15, 2027, performing Beethoven Piano Concerto No. 4
- Career consultation with Concert Artists Guild
Third Prize
- $10,000 ($7,000 cash award, $3,000 performance fee*)
- Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra Orpheum Sessions Season Subscription concert, March 4, 2027, performing Clara Schumann Piano Concerto, Op. 7
- Career consultation with Concert Artists Guild
Semifinal Prizes
- Nine (9) at $1,000 each
Best Performance of the Commissioned Work
- $1,000
Best Performance of a Work by Chopin
- $500
Jury Discretionary Prize
- $1,000
