09-05-2025
RTÉ to livestream Dublin International Piano Competition finals
Audiences around the world can tune in live as 25 of the globe's most gifted young pianists descend on Dublin this week for the prestigious 13th Dublin International Piano Competition (DIPC).
The competition's climactic final on 16th May will be livestreamed via RTÉ Culture and broadcast on RTÉ lyric fm, with earlier rounds also accessible on the DIPC YouTube channel.
Hailed as one of the most respected platforms for emerging classical talent, this year's DIPC has drawn participants from 12 countries.
The quarter-final rounds will take place from 9th to 11th May, followed by semi-finals on 13th and 14th May, both hosted at the Royal Irish Academy of Music. The grand final at the National Concert Hall will see three finalists perform full piano concertos with the National Symphony Orchestra under the baton of conductor Jonas Alber.
Open to the public, the competition offers a rare opportunity for Irish audiences to hear the next generation of piano virtuosos.
Finghin Collins, Artistic Director and jury chair, welcomed the competitors with enthusiasm. "It's a great pleasure to welcome this outstanding group of young pianists to Dublin," he said. "These talented artists represent the very best of the next generation. I would encourage everyone with a love of great music to join us for what will be some hugely enjoyable performances."
This year's competition stands out for its inclusion of contemporary works by four Irish composers: David Coonan, Roger Doyle, Ailís Ní Ríain, and Judith Ring. Commissioned by RTÉ lyric fm, these pieces must be performed by all contestants, offering a spotlight on Ireland's vibrant contemporary music scene. The semi-finalists will also perform chamber music with the acclaimed ConTempo Quartet.
The DIPC's international jury includes renowned pianists Michel Béroff (France), Piers Lane (Australia/UK), Noriko Ogawa (Japan), Dénes Várjon (Hungary), and Ireland's Hugh Tinney, alongside Katie McGuinness, Chief Artistic Officer at the Dallas Symphony Orchestra.
Winners will share in a prize fund worth €35,000, with the top prize of €20,000 sponsored by KPMG. The first prize also includes a Carnegie Hall recital debut and a series of international engagements. Second and third prizes of €10,000 and €5,000 and several special category awards will also be presented.
Watch the 13th Dublin International Piano Competition (DIPC) final on 16th May from 7pm via RTÉ Culture and listen via RTÉ lyric fm, with earlier rounds also accessible on the DIPC YouTube channel.
