Chopin Pleyel International Piano Competition in Nohant
Co-organized by the Centre des monuments nationaux, the Nohant Festival Chopin, and Pleyel, the Chopin Pleyel International Piano Competition took place from August 15 to 23, 2026, at the Domaine de George Sand in Nohant.For this inaugural edition, 22 young pianists from around the world gathered at this exceptional venue to perform the works of Frédéric Chopin, in the very place where part of his musical history was written.
George Sand created the ideal conditions in Nohant for Chopin to find the inspiration, the desire, and the time to compose. From 1839 to 1846, they lived together for more than 35 months in this family home. During those seven summers, several of the composer’s mature masterpieces were created.
Fascinated by bel canto and constantly in search of new tonal colors, Chopin found in Pleyel pianos the unique qualities that suited his art. He maintained a special relationship with the Pleyel company, to the point of making Pleyel his instrument of choice. In Nohant, Pleyel would send him a grand piano every summer.
It is this unique story linking Chopin, Nohant, and Pleyel that the competition has brought to life for a new generation of pianists.
A look back at the 2026 Edition
The jury, which deliberated in the presence of Sylviane Plantelin, the competition’s secretary general, highlighted the high level of skill, dedication, and passion demonstrated by all the contestants, whom it warmly congratulates for their participation. The international jury was composed of the following concert performers and educators: Boris Berman, USA (Yale School of Music); Akiko Ebi, Japan (President of the Japan Chopin Society); Yves Henry, France (Conservatoire national Supérieur de Musique et de Danse de Paris); Ewa Kupiec, Poland (Hanover University of Music, Drama, and Media), Bruno Rigutto, France (École Normale de Musique Alfred Cortot), Rena Shereshevskaya, France (École Normale de Musique Alfred Cortot), and Danwen Wei, China (Beijing Central Conservatory of Music).
The winners and awards presented
First Prize: Raphaël Collard (France)
A prize of 40,000€ consisting of:
- €10,000
- A Pleyel grand piano
- A Pleyel Magistral system
- A Pleyel Imperator 250 speaker
Second Prize: Zhexiang Li (China)
A prize of €25,000, including:
- €8,000
- A Pleyel upright piano
- A Pleyel Magistral system
- A Pleyel Imperator 250 speaker
Tied for third prize: Mathis Cathignol (France) and Zihan Jin (China)
The two third-prize winners each receive a prize package consisting of:
- €2,500
- A Pleyel Magistral system
- A Pleyel Imperator 250 speaker
Special Offers
Aldo Ciccolini Prize for the most “melodious” tone, awarded to Zhexiang Li (China)
Pianina.pl Prize for the best performance of a sonata, awarded to Raphaël Collard (France)
Pianina.pl Prize for the best performance of a Polonaise, awarded to Mathis Cathignol (France)
Cercle Olympe Prize for the best female performer, awarded to Harmony Zhu (Canada)
Fabienne and Claude Darré Prize for the best performance on a period piano, awarded to Andrzej Wiercinski (Poland)
Earnings Announcement
Winners' Concert
