Queen Elisabeth Competition 2025: piano edition

This May, Flagey in Brussels will host the first round and semi-finals of the Queen Elisabeth Competition’s 2025 piano edition.

Renowned as one of the world’s most demanding and widely publicised international competitions, the Queen Elisabeth Competition has, since its inception in 1937, established itself as a springboard for young violinists, pianists, singers, and cellists on the threshold of an international career. Faithful to the project initiated by Eugène Ysaÿe and Queen Elisabeth, the competition seeks to discover complete artists. It owes its reputation to a prestigious jury, rigorous standards, unparalleled media coverage, and the friendly, enthusiastic hospitality offered by an entire country, Belgium, and its Royal Family.

The Piano Competition is making a triumphant return in 2025. Originally scheduled for 2020, the last piano edition was delayed until 2021 due to the pandemic and was held without a live audience; the magic of the performances was felt only through screens. The 2025 edition promises breathtaking performances in the live presence of an enthusiastic audience that has been eagerly waiting for four years.

The first round will be held at Flagey from Monday, May 5th, to Saturday, May 10th (with sessions at 3 pm and 8 pm). The semi-finals will follow from Monday, May 12th, to Saturday, May 17th (sessions at 3 pm and 8 pm). Finally, on Wednesday, June 4th, and Thursday, June 5th, the unranked laureates will perform one last time in Studio 4. The performances of the first round and the semi-final can be followed live and on demand on the website of the Competition.