Call for entries: 2025 Gulangyu Piano Competition announces October dates

Scan the QR code to register for the Gulangyu Piano Competition. [Photo by Lin Yuyang for chinadaily.com.cn]

The 2025 Gulangyu Piano Competition will be held in October at the UNESCO World Heritage Site on Gulangyu Island in Xiamen, Fujian province.

From late September to early October this year, Gulangyu Island will host the 14th Gulangyu Piano Festival, aiming to boost the international influence and level of professionalism of the biennial event.

The competition features two categories: youth group and junior group, and consists of three rounds: preliminary, semi-final, and final. Music conservatories and members from the broader community are participating, with a jury panel composed of renowned musicians from China and abroad.

The Gulangyu Piano Festival was established in 2002. The 13th edition, held last year, featured over 50 high-level, international, and diverse musical events, attracting music enthusiasts and professionals from around the world. 

Once again, it showcased the charm and cultural richness of Gulangyu as the "Island of Piano" and " Island of Music". Twelve renowned artists from nine countries, including France, Poland, Russia, Canada, and the United States, performed during the event.

The festival also invited numerous esteemed musicians to impart their expertise through interactive workshops and sharing sessions, allowing music enthusiasts to engage directly. 

During the event, a variety of public activities were held, including open-air concerts, pop-up piano performances, piano masterclasses, and art film screenings. For the first time, the festival introduced structured piano courses, offering both children's and adult classes.

Last year's youth piano competition. [Photo by Lin Yuyang for chinadaily.com.cn]