Master Competition

ARTIST category


Master Competition 2026 Information

Registration

The ARTIST category is open to pianists of any nationality born after July 4, 1990. They must therefore be no older than 35 at the time of the Competition.

The ARTIST category takes place according to the following schedule:

  • Friday, May 1, 2026: Registration deadline
  • Monday, May 18, 2026: Announcement of the 30 selected pianists
  • Wednesday, July 1 and Thursday, July 2, 2026: Live semi-finals in Cagnes-sur-Mer (France)
  • Friday, July 3, 2026: Final followed by the announcement of the results and the closing ceremony live in Cagnes-sur-Mer (France)

This schedule may be adjusted by the Association.

The registration fee is €120 and must be paid using the procedure described on the Competition page: Artist Registration

Applications will only be accepted once the full registration fee has been received. Any bank charges or transfer fees are the responsibility of the applicant.

Regulations in French version

Regulations in English version

Total cash prizes: €14,000

  • Samson François Grand Prize: €7,000
    The winner will also be invited to give a recital at one of the Les Nocturnes du Piano festivals.
  • Each finalist will be engaged for a recital: Estivales du Conseil Départemental des Alpes-Maritimes or private concerts.
  • Special prizes :
    - Chopin Prize: €750
    - Debussy, Fauré, or Ravel Prize: €750

Other special prizes may be added.

Please note: For further details, please refer to the competition rules.

a - Video preselection : 

Free program minimum 13 minutes - maximum 15 minutes including a virtuoso study.
Submission deadline: Friday, May 1, 2026, at midnight GMT +1.

Video recording conditions  

  • It's important to pay particular attention to the quality of the video recording. The video must be produced without cuts, in a fixed shot, with the candidate's face and hands clearly visible at all times, and without special effects such as zooms and the like. Preference should be given to sound quality.
  • Any type of editing or manipulation of audio and video is prohibited and may result in disqualification.
  • The two (2) works may be recorded at different times and then assembled into a single video, or they may be recorded in one take. It is possible to submit part of a work, for example the first movement of a sonata.
  • All videos must be recent (2024/2025/2026).
  • The video can be recorded in a professional studio or in a home environment.
  • By submitting your entry, you automatically authorize the Contest organizers to use this video for purposes related to the Contest: sending videos to the judges and publishing videos on the website and social media.
  • Recordings must be attached to the dedicated information form, with a YouTube, Vimeo, or other link, or using file transfer tools. In all cases, the file name or link must contain the candidate's first and last name.

30 candidates will be selected for the semi-finals on Wednesday, July 1 and Thursday, July 2, 2026, in Cagnes-sur-Mer.

b - Semi-final : 

Free program minimum 25 minutes - maximum 30 minutes, including a piece or set of pieces by Chopin with a minimum duration of 7 minutes.
The semi-final will take place live in Cagnes-sur-Mer (France) according to the defined schedule.

The program is subject to change until Monday, June 1, 2026. Any requests for program changes should be sent by email to: samsonfrancoiscompetition@gmail.com . No program changes will be accepted after this date.

c - Final : 

The final will take place on Friday, July 3, 2026, in Cagnes-sur-Mer.
A maximum of five (5) candidates will be selected.

Program: recital lasting a minimum of 50 minutes and a maximum of 55 minutes, including at least 10 minutes of works of your choice by Debussy, Ravel, or Fauré. 

Note: Works recorded for the preliminary selection may be repeated in the semi-final or final. However, no work performed in the semi-final may be repeated in the final. All works must be published and performed without sheet music.