Recognizing a New Generation of Classical Pianists

The 2026 North American Competition reaches its exciting culmination on June 2! Three pianists will advance as finalists, taking the stage with the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra and conductor William Eddins, to perform a concerto that will mark the beginnings of classical careers.

To reach this level, PianoArts competitors will have performed an hour virtual recital and over two hours of live Milwaukee programs including solos from the Baroque to new music, duos with MSO musicians, and a concerto lecture-recital.

Come early on June 2 to meet this extraordinary new generation of classical artists and hear all eight of them perform.

• 4:30 p.m. WPR’s Drivetime Classicals Host, Jason Heilman, introduces and interviews the finalists
• 5:00 p.m. Piano Promenades, five semifinalists perform their favorite works
• 6:30 p.m. Jason Heilman returns to the stage to speak about the concertos performed in the finale

Following the 7:30 p.m. performances, you are invited to stay for a ceremony and a glass of champagne.

The Awards Ceremony

9:30 p.m. (approximately) Our distinguished 2026 jury will award individual talents with a total of  $35,000 in cash prizes. Among the awards, the first place winner will receive $20,000, a prize that will offset the cost of launching a career.

The MSO Steinway piano was made possible through a generous gift from Michael & Jeanne Schmitz