Concours International de Piano Chopin Pleyel à Nohant

The Chopin Pleyel Competition: When Nohant Rediscovers Chopin's Music

The Concours International de Piano Chopin Pleyel à Nohant is a major musical event that will take place in August 2026. Created jointly by the Centre des monuments nationaux, the Nohant Festival Chopin, and Pianos Pleyel, this high-level classical piano competition stands out for its exceptional setting: the George Sand estate in Nohant-Vic, the very place where Frédéric Chopin composed some of his most beautiful works between 1839 and 1846.

A Place Steeped in Musical History

The George Sand estate in Nohant is inseparable from the history of romantic music. It was in this Berry residence that Frédéric Chopin, George Sand's companion, stayed for seven consecutive summers, composing or completing major works in his repertoire: Ballades, Polonaises, Nocturnes, Preludes, and many other pieces that form the bedrock of the piano repertoire today. The estate, a listed national monument, preserves the piano on which Chopin worked, making this place a true sanctuary of romantic music.

A Competition of International Excellence

Twenty-four pianists, selected from candidates worldwide, will have the unique opportunity to perform Chopin's works in the very place where they were created. The repertoire for the rounds in Nohant consists solely of works by Frédéric Chopin, with the exception of Etudes and Concertos. The majority of the pieces the candidates must play were composed or completed in Nohant.

The competition unfolds in several stages:

• Pre-selection (before the competition): Selection of the 24 candidates based on their application and recording.
• First Round (August 16-18, 2026): 30-minute recital.
• Second Round (August 19-20, 2026): 45-minute recital.
• Final (August 21-22, 2026): Two parts, including a concerto.

Martha Argerich, an Exceptional Patron

The legendary pianist Martha Argerich, one of the greatest Chopin interpreters of our time, is the patron of this first edition of the Concours Chopin Pleyel à Nohant. Nohant holds a special place in her heart, and she has performed there twice for the Chopin Festival. Her presence lends the competition an international dimension and considerable prestige.

A World-Renowned Jury

An international jury composed of seven concert artists and educators, recognized for their high level of expertise and their affinity with Chopin's work, will be tasked with judging the candidates. This jury ensures the artistic excellence of the competition and its positioning among the major international piano competitions.

An Event Open to the Public

All rounds of the competition at the George Sand estate, as well as the opening ceremony on August 15 and the laureates' concert, are open to the public. Reservations will be available online starting April 2026 on the Nohant Festival Chopin website, as well as at the La Châtre tourist office.