The ‘Piano Master’ 2026 competition is open to pianists who have completed or are currently undertaking a Master’s degree. The Pavel Kushnir Special Prize recognises artistic courage and musical integrity in performance.
The Anton Rubinstein International ‘Piano Master’ Competition is open to pianists who are currently undertaking or have already completed a Master’s degree. On 7 November 2026, they will perform their freely chosen competition programmes in Düsseldorf.
The prizes include a full scholarship for the two-year concert examination at the ‘Anton Rubinstein’ International Music Academy, as well as three concert performances in the ‘Weltklassik am Klavier’ concert series.
As part of the competition, the Pavel Kushnir Special Prize, worth 1,500 euros, will also be awarded for artistic courage and musical integrity in performance. The prize was established in collaboration with The Pavel Kushnir Scholarship and honours the memory of the pianist Pavel Kushnir, whose artistic approach embodied sincerity, depth and inner freedom. (Source: Friends and Supporters of the Rubinstein Academy e.V.)
