Welcome to the Star Prize Festival 2027
The Star Prize Festival is a unique musical event for young pianists, offering exceptional performance opportunities at the Royal Albert Hall, Elgar Room in London.
Our audition is a ‘consultation’ between a child, their parent, teacher, and festival organisers, where we ‘match’ a child with the best possible repertoire from the EVC catalogue to showcase their abilities in the best way. Young pianists have a choice to play solo or with the House Band.
Since 2018, our festival has welcomed children, their families, teachers and music educators from all over the world: Australia, Japan, South Korea, China, Europe, Norway, Israel, the USA, Canada, Colombia, Malta, and the United Kingdom.
12 May, Wednesday
The Elgar Room, Royal Albert Hall
London
Audition Applications
Our audition is a ‘consultation’ between a child, their parent, teacher, and festival organisers, where we ‘match’ a child with the best possible repertoire from the EVC catalogue to showcase their abilities in the best way. Young pianists have a choice to play solo or with the House Band.
- Open 1 October 2026
- Close 15 October 2026
- Results after 1 November 2026
For the audition, we will need one recent video of one piece by ANY COMPOSER that shows a candidate at their best, and based on that, we will be able to recommend the best piece for playing in the recital.
Read moreOur Mission
We promote excellence in music education and performance opportunities for young pianists who enjoy the challenge of playing at the high-profile venue – the world-famous Royal Albert Hall in London.
Our pianists perform on the red piano that once belonged to Sir Elton John. The festival programme featured works by the EVC and guest composers.
In 2019, the Star Prize Festival was shortlisted for the Outstanding Musical Initiative category at the prestigious Music & Drama Education Awards in London.
”Memories of your performance at the Star Prize Festival on the world-famous stage will stay with you forever. It will build your confidence, character and self-esteem and one day, when you are older, you will be telling your own children: When I was your age, I played the piano at the Royal Albert Hall.”
Elena Cobb
Founder
The Art of Piano Education Awards
The Art of Piano Education Awards have been part of the Star Prize Festival since 2024 and offer an exciting opportunity for all stakeholders in piano education, where we see tremendous dedication, commitment, passion, and professionalism. These awards will provide an annual focus for recognising excellence and promoting positive innovation.
FAQ
АGE
Q: What age?
A: Pianists aged 6-16
Q: Is it a competition?
A: We are a Festival.
FORMS
Q: How many forms will I need to fill in?
A: Two forms: Audition Application Form and Performance Registration Form.
Q: How many forms will I need to fill in?
A: Two forms: Audition Application Form and Performance Registration Form.
REPERTOIRE for the Audition
Q: What do I need to audition?
A: One recent video with one piece by ANY COMPOSER that shows a candidate at their best, and based on that, we will be able to recommend the best piece for playing in the recital.
REPERTOIRE for the Festival
Q: I am new – how do I select a piece for the actual Festival?
A: If you are invited to perform, we will recommend a piece from the latest EVC Music catalogue based on the audition video. You can also visit our website to make a selection from the Repertoire List – please scroll.
Q. How can I contact you?
A: Email
Q: Can I play a piece by a non-EVC composer?
A: On occasion, we are happy to include a guest composer.
Q: Can I play with the House Band?
A: You can choose to perform with the House Band or solo.
SIGN UP
In the meantime, please sign up for the festival newsletter.