The 2025 NICPC features three divisions: Young Musician I (ages 5–10), Young Musician II (ages 11–15), and Artist (ages 16–33). Preliminary auditions are held by video submission and in person in Tbilisi, Shenyang, Prague, and Bangkok, drawing talent from every continent to Nashville. This rigorous process ensures that only the most compelling young pianists advance to the competition.
The competition culminates on December 19 in Lipscomb’s Collins Alumni Auditorium, where Artist Division finalists perform with members of the Nashville Symphony Orchestra in the Closing Gala and Competition Finals. This thrilling evening may reveal the next great sensation of the piano world—the artist worthy of taking home the namesake Alexei Sultanov Memorial Discovery Prize, the highest honor of the competition. Tickets start at $20 and will be available beginning in mid-October at nashvillechopin.org.
“We are thrilled to welcome the Nashville International Chopin Piano Competition to Lipscomb University,” said Wendy K. Matthews, director of Lipscomb’s School of Music. “Hosting this prestigious competition provides our students and community with an extraordinary opportunity to experience artistry and excellence at the highest international level.”
“We are honored to partner with Lipscomb University for the 2025 Nashville International Chopin Piano Competition,” said Joshua Izzard, CEO and Administrative Director of the NICPC. “Lipscomb’s support gives us the freedom to focus all of our energy on the competitors and the music, on par with any of the world’s great competitions.”
The international jury includes Graciella Kowalczyk (chairman), Alexander Korsantia, Zbigniew Raubo, Antonio Pompa-Baldi, Natalia Troull, Pavel Nersessian, Lipscomb’s own Jerome Reed, Ingmar Lazar, and Nino Ushikishvili. Their collective expertise represents the highest traditions of pianism. The NICPC remains rooted in Chopin’s repertoire and is guided by values of artistry, integrity, and transparency in its judging.
“This is like hosting a round of the Olympics in the piano world,” said Jerome Reed, Patricia and Rodes Hart Professor of Piano at Lipscomb University. “The caliber of pianists who participate in this competition is extraordinary, representing some of the finest young artists from around the globe. To have them perform at Lipscomb is a rare honor for our city and its music community.”
Top honors include the Alexei Sultanov Memorial Discovery Prize of $30,000, awarded to one Artist Division winner. Additional prizes bring the pool to more than $100,000, with genre awards for nocturnes, études, polonaises, and mazurkas, plus an Audience Choice Award.
The competition is open to pianists of all nationalities. Applications are open through October 17 at nashvillechopin.org.
About the Nashville International Chopin Piano Competition
Founded by Dr. Graciella Kowalczyk and Joshua Izzard, the NICPC discovers and supports pianists who embody the artistry of Chopin. In addition to more than $100,000 in prizes, winners receive performance opportunities and professional development on an international stage. Learn more at nashvillechopin.org.
About the Lipscomb University School of Music
Lipscomb University’s School of Music offers programs in performance, education, commercial music, music industry studies, and worship arts. Students perform in ensembles ranging from orchestra and gospel choir to contemporary groups. The school is part of Lipscomb’s George Shinn College of Entertainment & the Arts and is a designated All-Steinway School. Learn more at lipscomb.edu/music.
PRESS INQUIRIES:
Joshua Izzard • 773.573.6571 • admin@nashvillechopin.org
Kim Chaudoin • 615.423.6001 • kim.chaudoin@lipscomb.edu
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Source: Nashville International Chopin Piano Competition
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