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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 2017 and younger — 5 minutes
  • First Category: born 2016 and 2015 — 8 minutes
  • Second Category: born 2014 and 2013 — 10 minutes
  • Third Category: born 2012 and 2011 — 12 minutes
  • Fourth Category: born 2010 and 2009 — 15 minutes
  • Fifth Category: born 2008 and 2007 — 20 minutes

Seniors – students of music faculties:

 
 

Piano Four Hands

Primary and secondary music education:

  • Precategory: born 2017 and younger — 5 minutes
  • First Category: born 2016 and 2015 — 7 minutes
  • Second Category: born 2014 and 2013 — 8 minutes
  • Third Category: born 2012 and 2011 — 10 minutes
  • Fourth Category: born 2010 and 2009 — 12 minutes
  • Fifth Category: born 2008 and 2007 — 15 minutes

Students of music faculties:

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 May 4th 2026 at the following link:
    https://pianofestbitola.com/

  • Required documents:

    • ✅ Proof of age

    • ✅ Proof of paid registration fee

5. Participation Fees

 

Piano solo

 

  • Precategory I category: 30 euro

  • II, III category: 35 euro

  • IV, V category: 45 euro

  • A, B category: 55 euro

     

Piano four hands (per participant)

 

  • Precategory, I, II category: 35 euro

  • III, IV, V category: 45 euro

  • A, B category: 55 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