HELEN HOPEKIRK International Competition for Young Pianists, Organists & Composers

22-24 May 2026,
Edinburgh, Scotland

& Online 10 April 2026
Celebrating the 170th anniversary of Helen Hopekirk’s birth (1856–1945) –
the Scottish pianist, composer and educator.
Minor changes to the competition rules and conditions may be made before applications open on February 15, 2026. The final schedule for the live competition in Edinburgh will be published on March 25, 2026.

Places for the Live Competition (Edinburgh) are limited in each age category (Piano and Organ). Entries are accepted until the category reaches capacity. If a category is oversubscribed, you may join the waitlist.
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Apply to the Helen Hopekirk International

Music Competition

We invite talented young pianists, organists, and composers up to the age of 21 from around the world to apply for the Helen Hopekirk International Music Competition.

Please read the information carefully before submitting your application.

General Information

Age eligibility: up to 21 years old.
For the Online Competition, age is determined as of 20 March 2026; for the Live Competition, as of 22 May 2026.

Competition categories:
  • Live Piano & Organ Competition (Edinburgh, UK)
  • Composition Competition (Online + Winners concert in Edinburgh)
  • Online Piano & Organ Competition (Worldwide)

Deadlines

Application deadline for all competition categories: 20 March 2026

Online Piano & Organ Competition:
winners to be announced on 10 April 2026

Edinburgh live rounds: 22–24 May 2026
Venue: The Parish Church of St Cuthbert (5 Lothian Rd, Edinburgh EH1 2EP)


Submission Requirements

For Live Piano & Organ Competition (Edinburgh):
  • Complete application form.
  • Upload a recent photo (for programme use).
  • Upload a short biography (max. 150 words).
  • Upload proof of payment
Entries are accepted until the category reaches capacity. If a category is oversubscribed, you may join the waitlist.

For Online Piano & Organ Competition:
  • Submit a single video file containing both pieces, uploaded to Google Drive.
  • Provide a shareable link in the application form (please ensure access without request for permission).
  • All accepted recordings will be uploaded to the official YouTube channel of the competition and made publicly available.
Audience Award (Online Competitions):
  • An Audience Prize will be awarded to the participant whose video receives the highest number of “likes” on the official YouTube channel by 9 April 2026.

For Composers:

  • Upload a PDF score (mandatory).
  • Provide a link to a video or audio recording (live performance preferred; MIDI rendering acceptable).
  • Upload a short biography and photo.

Application Fee

  • Fees must be paid at the time of application.
  • Proof of payment must be uploaded with your form.

Terms & Conditions

  • By submitting, participants agree to the use of submitted videos, photos, and biographies for promotional and archival purposes.
  • The jury’s decision is final and cannot be appealed.
  • Travel and accommodation for live participants are at their own expense.
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Fees & Deadlines

Key Dates (Europe/London)

  • Applications open: 15 February 2026, 09:00
  • Applications close: 20 March 2026, 23:59
  • Competition (Edinburgh): 22 - 24 May 2026
  • Festival week (talks & recitals): in the days prior to 22 May (details TBA)
  • We are not accepting paid entries before 15 February 2026. You may submit a free Expression of Interest now to receive reminders and updates.

Categories & Fees

All piano/organ categories are one round; each contestant performs two pieces

1) Piano (Edinburgh)
  • Under 8: £30
  • Age 8–15: £40
  • Age 16–21: £50

2) Organ (Edinburgh)
  • Under 8: £30
  • Age 8–15: £40
  • Age 16–21: £50

3) Piano - Online (video submission)
  • Under 8: £20
  • Age 8–15: £30
  • Age 16–21: £40

4) Organ - Online (video submission)
  • Under 8: £20
  • Age 8–15: £30
  • Age 16–21: £40

5) Composition - Online
  • £20 per work (maximum 2 works per entrant).
  • Winning works may be performed at the Gala Concert on 24 May 2026

What your fee covers
  • Administration and processing of entries
  • Professional jury fees and adjudication
  • Basic audio/video archiving of competition performances (where applicable)
  • Digital participation certificate
  • Not included: travel, accommodation, visas, and payment platform/bank fees.

Eligibility & Age Bands
  • Open to entrants up to age 21.
For the Online Competition, age is determined as of 20 March 2026; for the Live Competition, as of 22 May 2026.
  • Multiple entries are allowed; separate fees apply.
  • Composition entries must be original and submitted by the rights holder.

Payment & Currency
  • Fees are charged in GBP (£)
  • Any bank/FX charges are the entrant’s responsibility.

Refunds & Changes
  • Before 20 March 2026, 23:59 (UK): refunds available minus payment processing fees.
  • After the deadline: fees are non-refundable.

Financial Access (Bursaries)
  • A limited number of fee waivers/bursaries is available for entrants facing financial hardship.
  • Apply by 1 March 2026
  • Decisions issued on a rolling basis.

Communications & Consent (U13)
For entrants under 13, communications should use a parent/guardian email. By subscribing to updates, you consent to receive competition information; you may unsubscribe at any time.
Application Form
Participant details
Competition Category:
Short biography and photo
Participant information for the website and brochure
Repertoire / Composition
Title of work(s) Composer (if not original) Duration (minutes) For Composers: upload score (PDF) + short description (max 100 words)
Video Submission
Payment Confirmation
Upload payment receipt / screenshot
Agreements (tick boxes)