2026 Sonare Int'l Piano Competition: Event 5
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...
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.
The 2026 weekend culminates Sunday evening with 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 5 includes presentations of 2026 prize winners.
