Chopin Festival 2026
Overview
The Chopin Society of Houston is proud to offer the Chopin Festival for Adult Amateur Pianists this Fall on Saturday and Sunday, October 24 and 25, 2026. It will be held at Kawai Piano Gallery. We are excited to have as our judges Sohyoung Park of Rice University and Alicja Fiderkiewicz, formerly of Chetham's School of Music in Manchester, UK.
The application is available in the store.
The Chopin Society of Houston is proud to offer the Chopin Festival for Adult Amateur Pianists this Fall on Saturday and Sunday, October 24 and 25, 2026. It will be held at Kawai Piano Gallery. We are excited to have as our judges Sohyoung Park of Rice University and Alicja Fiderkiewicz, formerly of Chetham's School of Music in Manchester, UK.
The application is available in the store.
The Chopin Festival for Adult Amateur Pianists is an opportunity to perform with like-minded amateurs before two respected judges who will provide written comments. There is also an opportunity to have a master class with a judge. The Kawai Piano Gallery has a large recital hall with a Shigeru Kawai grand on stage.
Typically, there is a recital in the morning followed by a lunch break. Lunch is provided. After lunch one of the judges will give a short lecture and performance. This is followed by several master classes which may be live or virtual. This schedule applies to both Saturday and Sunday.
Participants may play either live or record their performance. The entire event will be broadcast on Zoom (or equivalent). We expect to begin the event with the live performances followed by playing the submitted recordings.
The on-line application is available in our store. Select one of the two products: "Recital Only" or "Recital and Master Class". Within each product you may select "Live" or "Recorded" performance. If you choose "Recorded", provide a link to the site where the video may be downloaded (the link does not have to be submitted with the application and may be sent later via email).
The deadline for the application is October 9, 2026.
Deadline for receipt of the recorded performances is Saturday, October 17. You may submit your application without the recorded performance link and email the Society with the download link before October 17.
If you choose to record your playing, please get the best results possible. A smartphone can make a reasonable recording (be advised that placing the phone on the keyblock is not recommended; the video should be taken from a distance of several feet at least). If you use a video camera it is a good idea to disable the automatic sound level adjustment, if possible, so that dynamic levels of your playing can be clearly heard.
Typically, there is a recital in the morning followed by a lunch break. Lunch is provided. After lunch one of the judges will give a short lecture and performance. This is followed by several master classes which may be live or virtual. This schedule applies to both Saturday and Sunday.
Participants may play either live or record their performance. The entire event will be broadcast on Zoom (or equivalent). We expect to begin the event with the live performances followed by playing the submitted recordings.
The on-line application is available in our store. Select one of the two products: "Recital Only" or "Recital and Master Class". Within each product you may select "Live" or "Recorded" performance. If you choose "Recorded", provide a link to the site where the video may be downloaded (the link does not have to be submitted with the application and may be sent later via email).
The deadline for the application is October 9, 2026.
Deadline for receipt of the recorded performances is Saturday, October 17. You may submit your application without the recorded performance link and email the Society with the download link before October 17.
If you choose to record your playing, please get the best results possible. A smartphone can make a reasonable recording (be advised that placing the phone on the keyblock is not recommended; the video should be taken from a distance of several feet at least). If you use a video camera it is a good idea to disable the automatic sound level adjustment, if possible, so that dynamic levels of your playing can be clearly heard.
Recital
Recital participants are invited to perform a selection of one longer or several shorter contrasting compositions of Chopin up to the time limit of 15 minutes. Participants are NOT required to perform works from memory and may use original sheet music. There is no repertoire requirement other than the work must be by Chopin. Please note only original versions will be accepted – no transcriptions, no arrangements!
Participants will receive written comments from the judges as well as a certificate signed by the judges.
Master Classes
Master classes will be offered. Participants must select a composition by Chopin for instruction, preferably a piece performed during the recital. Please indicate preferred Master Class Presenter on the application form. Preferences will be filled in order of receipt of the applications.
Judges
We have two judges who will provide written evaluations for the recital, teach the master classes and perhaps give a short performance and lecture. We are excited to have as our judges Sohyoung Park of Rice University and Alicja Fiderkiewicz, formerly of Chetham's School of Music in Manchester, UK.
Recital participants are invited to perform a selection of one longer or several shorter contrasting compositions of Chopin up to the time limit of 15 minutes. Participants are NOT required to perform works from memory and may use original sheet music. There is no repertoire requirement other than the work must be by Chopin. Please note only original versions will be accepted – no transcriptions, no arrangements!
Participants will receive written comments from the judges as well as a certificate signed by the judges.
Master Classes
Master classes will be offered. Participants must select a composition by Chopin for instruction, preferably a piece performed during the recital. Please indicate preferred Master Class Presenter on the application form. Preferences will be filled in order of receipt of the applications.
Judges
We have two judges who will provide written evaluations for the recital, teach the master classes and perhaps give a short performance and lecture. We are excited to have as our judges Sohyoung Park of Rice University and Alicja Fiderkiewicz, formerly of Chetham's School of Music in Manchester, UK.