66th Ferruccio Busoni International Piano Competition 2026/27 – direct entry to the finals for WFIMC prizewinners
Offered by Fondazione Busoni-Mahler
Who can apply
Pianists born between 1 January 1996 and 31 December 2010 who won first or second prize at a WFIMC member competition between 1 January 2023 and 30 October 2026. Cannot also be registered for the Glocal Piano Festival.
About this opportunity
Most routes into the 2027 Ferruccio Busoni International Piano Competition in Bolzano closed back in May, but there's a narrower door still open for pianists who've recently done well elsewhere: anyone who won first or second prize at a competition affiliated with the World Federation of International Music Competitions between January 2023 and the end of October 2026 can apply to skip straight to the final rounds. Up to three pianists are admitted this way, chosen by the Glocal Piano Festival jury from everyone who applies correctly; eligibility is further limited to those born between 1996 and 2010. The entry form becomes available from July 2026 and has to be received by 31 October 2026. The rules don't set out a separate fee for this direct route, so it isn't clear whether the standard 40 euro application charge applies here the way it does to the ordinary entry path — worth confirming directly with the organisers before paying anything. Finalists who come in this way compete for the same prizes as everyone else reaching Bolzano: a 30,000 euro Busoni Prize, with the other finalists' prizes running from 15,000 down to 5,000 euro, plus an 800 euro travel allowance and free board and lodging during the final rounds.
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Frequently asked questions
- When is the deadline for 66th Ferruccio Busoni International Piano Competition 2026/27 – direct entry to the finals for WFIMC prizewinners?
- The current deadline is October 31, 2026.
- Who offers 66th Ferruccio Busoni International Piano Competition 2026/27 – direct entry to the finals for WFIMC prizewinners?
- Fondazione Busoni-Mahler runs it, from Bolzano, Italy, International.
- What funding or support does 66th Ferruccio Busoni International Piano Competition 2026/27 – direct entry to the finals for WFIMC prizewinners offer?
- Busoni Prize and final rounds in Bolzano in 2027 (see prize list); €40 application fee
- Who can apply for 66th Ferruccio Busoni International Piano Competition 2026/27 – direct entry to the finals for WFIMC prizewinners?
- Pianists born between 1 January 1996 and 31 December 2010 who won first or second prize at a WFIMC member competition between 1 January 2023 and 30 October 2026. Cannot also be registered for the Glocal Piano Festival.
- How do I apply for 66th Ferruccio Busoni International Piano Competition 2026/27 – direct entry to the finals for WFIMC prizewinners?
- You apply on the funder's own site. The link is on this page: with a free GrantGigs account for deadlines in the next 30 days, or with Pro for later ones. If applications are new to you, our guide on how to apply for music grants walks through the whole process. Read the guide →
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66th Ferruccio Busoni International Piano Competition 2026/27 – direct entry to the finals for WFIMC prizewinners