(Left to right: Kongyan Xin (Medalist), Charlie Wu (3rd Prize), Yixin Shen (2nd Prize) , Maestro John Morris Russell, Chenxi Cao (Medalist), and Jueon Lee (1st Prize)

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR 2026 WINNERS!

FIRST PRIZE – Jueon Lee (14) – S. Korea

SECOND PRIZE – Yixin Shen  (14) – China

THIRD PRIZE – Charlie Wu (13) – Australia

MEDALIST – Chenxi Cao (13) – China

MEDALIST – Kongyan Xin (17) – China

SASCHA GORODNITZKI MEMORIAL PRIZE – Junye Haung (14) – China

PETER TAKÁCS CLASSICAL SONATA PRIZE – David Gatien (16) – USA

(Click on the prize-winner’s name above to read more about them!)

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Please enjoy the Livestream of the 2026 HHIPC Finals below!

To see sessions from the earlier rounds of the 2026 HHIPC click HERE !

2026 HHIPC Program Book

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A STATEMENT FROM THE HILTON HEAD SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA AND HILTON HEAD INTERNATIONAL PIANO COMPETITION

The mission of the Hilton Head International Piano Competition (HHIPC) is to encourage and support excellence in the performance of classical piano music by showcasing the talents of young pianists on the threshold of their careers in competitions adjudicated by internationally acclaimed judges, and to offer additional performance opportunities.  We remain aligned with this mission by welcoming these 20 pianists chosen for their great artistry—regardless of their nationality—to the competition.

The pianists who are scheduled to compete in the HHIPC are not officials of their government, nor is their participation state sponsored.  They are students at conservatories and other schools, and they have spent much of their lives preparing for this opportunity.

We will celebrate the international diversity of the competition and will give music the opportunity to be an ambassador of peace and love.

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Watch our Youtube channel for videos from past competitions