The complete official rules, required repertoire for each age group, and the online application form will be launched in Spring 2027 right here on our official website.

No. According to the official competition rules, contestants are strictly required to register only in the specific age group that corresponds to their exact date of birth. Failing to do so will result in immediate disqualification.

Yes. All selected pieces must strictly comply with the official competition requirements. The Competition Rules explicitly outlines all repertoire restrictions and compulsory pieces for each category. Please review this section carefully before submitting your program, as non-compliant works cannot be accepted.

No. According to the official competition rules, the repertoire submitted in the application form is considered final and cannot be modified later. Minor changes may only be requested under exceptional circumstances before the application deadline by contacting the secretariat.

Yes. For international contestants who require a visa to enter Hungary (Schengen Area), the Popper Heritage Association (the official organizer of the competition) can provide an official letter of invitation upon request, once the registration process and fee are completed.

The main competition venue is the historic Thury Castle (Thury Vár, 8100 Várpalota, Hunyadi Mátyás tér 1.). Two dedicated rooms will be available at the venue for contestants to warm up before going on stage.

Várpalota is located approximately 80 km from Budapest. Please note that the competition organizers do not arrange hotel reservations; competitors are responsible for booking their own accommodations independently.

Competitors must arrive by the day before the official competition begins, partly to accommodate piano rehearsals and because the drawing of the performance order takes place during the opening ceremony. Upon arrival, all participants are required to register digitally to confirm their participation; everyone will receive a separate notification regarding the method of this registration.

Yes, upon request, official piano accompanists can be provided for participants for an additional fee. Your assigned accompanist will contact you after the application deadline to coordinate. Rehearsal dates, times, and venues (such as the local Music School) will be scheduled and communicated to you in advance.

For the standard repertoire, the official accompanists do not require the sheet music in advance. However, for free-choice pieces—especially if there are multiple editions, if the work is rarely performed, or in the case of all contemporary pieces—you are required to send the sheet music along with the other application documents during registration. Additionally, please make sure to bring the physical piano score with you to the competition for all rehearsals and performances.