The piano competition of the will culminate in a gala awards ceremony Vienna Piano Forum 2026 its climax. The awards recognise pianists who embody a unique path: that often unseen, yet all the more impressive, „double life“ between their professional careers and their artistic dedication.
The Vienna Piano Forum is deliberately dedicated to this group of outstanding amateur pianists – people who have continued to develop their piano playing over the years and maintained it to a high standard, despite all the challenges of everyday life. In Vienna, this form of serious, non-professional music-making is deeply rooted in history and forms part of a vibrant musical tradition that continues to this day.
The competition focuses on artistic personality, musical understanding and the ability to engage seriously with the repertoire. It is intended as a platform that raises the profile of this form of music-making, strengthens it and places it within a broader cultural context.
As part of the awards ceremony, the Joseph Woelfl Prize will be presented alongside the competition prizes. This award honours the Salzburg-born pianist and composer Joseph Woelfl (1773–1812), a contemporary of Beethoven, and is presented by the International Joseph Woelfl Society donated.
In addition, a special prize will be awarded by the French organisation Les Amateurs Virtuoses which has been dedicated for many years to promoting outstanding amateur musicians and showcases its pianists at international festivals, usually in collaboration with renowned artists.
The Rector of the City of Vienna’s Private University of Music and the Arts (MUK) is acting as patron.

Organised by ICT Management Ltd. Free admission: free choice of seats, no reservations.