Rules

1. General Information

Pianofest Bitola is an international piano competition dedicated to supporting young pianists and promoting artistic excellence. The competition is open to participants of all nationalities and is held annually in Bitola, North Macedonia.

The event is organized to:

Encourage musical development
Support cultural exchange
Provide young talents with professional performance opportunities

2. Age Categories

Piano Solo

Young Virtuosos – primary and secondary music education:

Precategory: born 2016 and younger — 5 minutes
First Category: born 2015 and 2014 — 8 minutes
Second Category: born 2013 and 2012 — 10 minutes
Third Category: born 2011 and 2010 — 13 minutes
Fourth Category: born 2009 and 2008 — 18 minutes
Fifth Category: born 2007 and 2006 — 20 minutes

Seniors – students of music faculties:

A Category: born 2005 – 2004 — 23 minutes
B Category: born 2003 – 2002 — 25 minutes

Section Theoretical

C Category: born 2009 and 2008 — 5 minutes
D Category: born 2007 and 2006 — 8 minutes

Piano Four Hands

Primary and secondary music education:

Precategory: born 2016 and younger — 5 minutes
First Category: born 2015 and 2014 — 7 minutes
Second Category: born 2013 and 2012 — 8 minutes
Third Category: born 2011 and 2010 — 10 minutes
Fourth Category: born 2009 and 2008 — 12 minutes
Fifth Category: born 2007 and 2006 — 15 minutes

Students of music faculties:

A Category: born 2005 and 2004 — 18 minutes
B Category: born 2003 and 2002 — 20 minutes

3. Program

The program in all disciplines and categories is free to choose, but must cover at least two stylistically different periods and must not exceed the given time for each category individually.

In piano solo, the program should be performed by memory.
In piano four hands, the program can be performed from notes.

4. Jury members

The candidate’s performance will be evaluated by a jury of eminent pianists, both local and international.
Jury decisions are final.
If a contestant is a student or family member of a jury member, they will not be evaluated by that particular member.

5. NECESSARY DOCUMENTS FOR REGISTRATION

The application should be submitted no later than 20.05.2025 at the following link:
https://pianofestbitola.com/
Required documents:
- Proof of age
- Proof of paid registration fee

5. Participation Fees

Piano solo

Precategory: 25 euro
I, II, III category: 30 euro
IV, V category: 35 euro
A, B category: 40 euro

Piano four hands (per participant)

Precategory, I, II category: 15 euro
III, IV, V category: 20 euro
A, B category: 20 euro

Piano theoretical

C, D category: 25 euro

5. Payment Details

Paid to: Association of pianists and music pedagogues Piano – Bitola

Bank account number: 210073174500107

Bank: NLB Tutunska Banka AD SKOPJE

Street: Lerinska Nr.47/22 Bitola

Foreign currency account:

IBAN: MK07210722000088240
SWIFT: TUTNMK22