HELEN HOPEKIRK International Competition for Young Pianists, Organists & Composers

22-24 May 2026,
Edinburgh, Scotland

& Online 10 April 2026
Celebrating the 170th anniversary of Helen Hopekirk’s birth (1856–1945)
the Scottish pianist, composer and educator.
Repertoire Resources
Helen Hopekirk's Piano Works
  1. Romance in A minor (1885)
  2. Serenade in F-sharp minor (1891)
  3. Iona Memories (cycle of 4 pieces, 1902–07)
  4. Sundown (1905)
  5. Three Pieces for Piano (1915) – Dance, Prelude, A Reverie
  6. Suite for Piano (5 movements, 1917)
  7. Serenata (Suite) (5 movements, 1918)
  8. Five Scottish Folk Songs (1919) – arrangements including Land o’ the Leal, Turn ye to me, Eilidh Bhan
  9. A Norland Eve (1919)
  10. Robin Good-Fellow (1922)
  11. Two Compositions for Piano (1924) – Shadows, Brocade
  12. Two Tone-Pictures for Piano (1929–30) – Dance to Your Shadow, The Seal-woman’s Sea-joy
  13. Gavotte in B major (date unknown, republished in Beyond the Waves)
  14. Five Portraits (published 1919, movements for piano)
H.Hopekirk_Piano Works_Download

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Repertoire Selection Rule (Organ and Piano)

Participants may choose any pieces that:

  • are based on Scottish musical themes or traditional material;
  • incorporate elements of Scottish or Gaelic musical tradition;
  • are inspired by Scotland’s culture, history, or artistic heritage;
  • may be either original compositions or arrangements specifically created for organ or piano.

If a participant does not choose works by Helen Hopekirk, they may select any other repertoire that meets the above criteria.


Works by Scottish composers are also permitted, provided they show a clear connection to Scottish tradition (folk material, cultural reference, historical theme, or artistic heritage).

A clear connection means that the piece includes at least one of the following:

  • use or adaptation of Scottish melodies;
  • elements of Scottish or Gaelic musical tradition;
  • a statement by the composer that the work is inspired by Scotland;
  • reference to a Scottish theme, place, legend, or event.
Suggested Piano Repertoire

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Suggested Organ Repertoire