Few instruments have shaped the musical landscape as profoundly as the piano. At the heart of Western music, it serves both as a solo instrument and as the foundation for ensemble and orchestral works. Great composers developed their masterpieces on the piano, creating groundbreaking piano concertos, sonatas, and études that have had a lasting impact on the evolution of music as a whole.
Piano playing today is more than just a skill - it is a universal language that transcends boundaries and connects generations. The piano continues to fascinate and inspire people around the world.
Many of the greatest composers in music history, from Mozart and Beethoven to Chopin, Debussy, and Rachmaninoff, used the piano as a tool to shape and craft their musical ideas.
In a globalized world, where social media, streaming platforms, and digital presence play an increasingly significant role, talent alone is no longer sufficient to succeed in the classical music world. Competitions and awards provide the crucial visibility and international recognition that a pianist needs to advance in their career. They are a vital bridge between tradition and modern career development.
Many outstanding pianists owe their international breakthrough to a competition. Van Cliburn, for instance, became a legend overnight, Martha Argerich gained worldwide recognition, and Daniil Trifonov laid the foundation for his international career. More recently, talented pianists have drawn the attention of major concert agencies through their competition successes, establishing themselves as sought-after artists on international stages.
AMADION, the Amadeus International Piano Awards, holds a unique place in the music world by honoring artistic excellence while actively supporting the long-term career development and promotion of young pianists.
AMADION is a prestigious piano competition and award of merit established in Vienna to honor young piano students who engage deeply with the works, styles, and spirit of iconic composers such as Mozart, Beethoven, Chopin, and other Great Masters, in a unique and artistically meaningful way.
More than 2,500 music universities, conservatories, and academies from over 130 countries are among the invited institutions.
Applications can be submitted in the form of video recordings from concert performances, competitions, or other public appearances. The competition currently features 48 categories, each dedicated to one of the most influential composers in music history. Applicants may enter one or more categories with one or multiple performances, provided the selected repertoire corresponds to the composer of the chosen category.
In addition to the main categories, pianists will also be honored in two special categories: Best Solo Piano Album of the Year and Artist for the Next Generation.
The evaluation of performances focuses on interpretation, as well as technical precision, stylistic accuracy, and stage presence.
The AMADION Jury comprises carefully selected figures from the international piano scene, including renowned concert pianists and esteemed professors with exceptional expertise in interpretation, pedagogy, and artistic evaluation. Additional distinguished experts will join throughout the selection process. Their decades of experience, refined artistic sensibility, and passion for piano excellence ensure a fair, insightful, and high-level evaluation of all submissions.
The official ceremony of AMADION – Amadeus International Piano Awards 2025 will take place on November 27, 2025, at the Ehrbar Hall in Palais Ehrbar, Vienna. All winners will perform live on stage as part of the evening’s artistic program. The event will be hosted by professional presenters and broadcast live. Coverage will span national and international cultural and television networks, radio stations, and digital platforms dedicated to classical music and the arts.
Prizes will be awarded to the nominated artists, winners, and qualified participants, provided directly by piano manufacturers, music and cultural organizations, as well as private and public music foundations and societies. Each prize will be individually determined by the respective sponsors to duly acknowledge the exceptional achievements and dedication of the artists.
Following the awards ceremony, the event will reach its highlight with an exclusive afterparty. This special celebration offers a relaxed atmosphere where the nominees, as well as representatives from the piano world and the music industry, can engage in conversation and fully enjoy the evening.