40 extraordinary young pianists selected for 2026 competition.
“The standard of applicants is incredibly high… we’ve had a really difficult task in choosing 40 pianists from the 356 who applied.” Vanessa Latarche
On a wet and windy weekend, our pre-selection jury - Anthony Byrne, Carole Presland, Ian Fountain and of course our Artistic Director Vanessa Latarche - gathered at Fairlight Hall to decide which 40 young pianists should be invited to come to Hastings next February to compete in the next competition.
This was no easy task. It’s a testament to the growing stature of the competition around the world that we received more than 350 applicants from 46 countries around the world - 100 more than for the previous competition in 2024, the majority of which arrived in the final week before the deadline at the end of September. Jurors spent the first weeks of October watching audition videos in every spare moment, each arriving at Fairlight with their own favourites. Eventually, after many hours of consideration (and naturally some heated debate), the final list of 40 was drawn up - together with a reserve list in case any of those invited were unable to accept.
Once all the decisions were made, Vanessa and the other jurors talked a group of our patrons through the process over tea and cake, which gave some fascinating insight into what they were looking for.
Invitations have now gone out to all those selected, who must now begin the process of preparing for the competition in February.
“It’s just fantastic that Hastings now has a reputation that means it’s attracting people from all over the globe. We’re really looking forward to hearing our 40 play live!” Vanessa Latarche
Photos by Toby Shaw for Hastings International Piano
