We invite talented pianists, organists and composers from around the world to apply for the Helen Hopekirk International Online Competition. The competition is open to participants of all ages, with age-based categories and an Open Category for competitors aged 26 and over.

Please read the information below carefully before submitting your application.
By submitting an entry, participants agree to abide by the Competition Rules.

1. Competition Overview
Format: Online (video / digital submission)
Categories:

• Piano – Online
• Organ – Online
• Composition – Online

2. Eligibility
Open to entrants of all ages.

• For the Online Competition, age is determined as of 10 September 2026.
• Multiple compositions may be submitted; a separate application fee applies to each composition.
• Composition entries must be original works submitted by the copyright holder.

3. Key Dates (Europe/London time)

• Applications open: 1 August 2026, 09:00
• Applications close: 20 August 2026, 23:59
• Winners announced: 10 September 2026
• Paid applications are not accepted before 1 August 2026
• A free Expression of Interest may be submitted in advance to receive reminders and updates.

4. Entry Fees
All performance categories consist of one round.
Each pianist and organist performs at least two pieces, appropriate to their age and level within the time limit specified for their category.
Online (video submission).

• Piano: £20
• Organ: £20
• Composition: £20 per work

5. Accessibility, Fee Waivers & Bursaries
To ensure equal access, a limited number of fee waivers, bursaries and reduced fees are available.
Requests may be made confidentially and without the need to provide formal documentation.
Fee support may be considered in the following cases:

• participants from low-income families;
• students applying through state-funded music schools;
• siblings or multiple entries from the same family.

No participant should feel excluded for economic reasons.
For fee support requests, please contact:
helenhopekirkcompetition@gmail.com

6. Submission Requirements
A. Online Piano & Organ
Applicants must:

• submit one continuous video recording containing all pieces;
• upload the video to Google Drive (or similar platform);
• provide a shareable link in the application form (access must be enabled without request for permission).

Recordings should be:

• unedited;
• clearly showing the performer.

Audience Award (Online Performance Categories)
An Audience Prize will be awarded to the participant whose video receives the highest number of “likes” on the official YouTube channel of the competition by 9 September 2026.
All accepted performance videos will be uploaded to the competition’s official YouTube channel and made publicly available.

B. Composition – Online
Applicants must submit:

• a PDF score (mandatory);
• a link to an audio or video recording
• (live performance preferred; MIDI rendering accepted);
• a short biography and one recent photograph.

7. What You Need to Upload

• short biography (maximum 150 words);
• repertoire information (title, composer, duration) or work details for composers;
• payment confirmation;
• one recent vertical portrait photograph of the participant (JPG).

8. Refund Policy – Online Competition
Before 25 August 2026, 23:59 (UK time): entry fees may be refunded, minus any payment processing fees.
After the submission deadline: entry fees are non-refundable.

9. Terms & Conditions
By submitting an application, participants (or their parent/guardian, where applicable) confirm that they have read and accepted the Rules & Repertoire and Terms & Conditions of the competition.
Participants grant permission for the use of submitted audio and video recordings, photographs and biographies for non-commercial promotional, educational and archival purposes related to the competition.
The jury’s decision is final and not subject to appeal.

10. Communications (Under 13)
For entrants under the age of 13, all communications must be conducted using a parent or guardian’s email address.
By submitting an application or subscribing to updates, you consent to receive competition-related information. You may unsubscribe at any time.