2026 Sonare Int'l Piano Competition - Event 2

Experience the 11th Sonare International Piano Competition—formerly the Seattle International Piano Competition—as extraordinary pianists from around the world take the stage at Benaroya Hall. One of the Pacific Northwest's distinctive international classical-music events, Sonare transforms the traditional competition final into a series of compelling public concerts, bringing audiences remarkably close to the excitement of discovering exceptional new talent.

Selected through a rigorous preliminary process, the finalists represent an international field of gifted young musicians, collegiate pianists, and emerging professional artists. Each arrives in Seattle with something different to say at the piano—and with the opportunity to make a lasting impression before a distinguished jury and a live audience.

For audiences, the result is much more than a contest. Each category becomes its own concert event: a succession of contrasting personalities, repertoire, interpretations, and musical voices, performed with the intensity that only a major competition can create.

The 2026 weekend culminates Sunday evening with event 5, a guest recital by acclaimed pianist Jialin Yao, a 2024 Seattle International Piano Competition President's Prizewinner. Praised by The Boston Musical Intelligencer for his “supreme touch control,” Yao has appeared at the Verbier, Aspen, Ravinia and Gilmore festivals and in major concert halls throughout the United States, Europe and Asia. His numerous international honors include prizes at the Busoni, Fou Ts'ong, Málaga, Wideman and Sonare International piano competitions.

Come for the competition. Experience a concert—and discover the artists of tomorrow.

Event 2 - Final Round of Youth Competitors Ages 14 to 18