Concours International de Piano Chopin Pleyel à Nohant
First international piano competition dedicated to Chopin in the domain of George Sand
About Concours Chopin Pleyel
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.
Concours Chopin Pleyel — edition 2026
First edition of the Chopin Pleyel International Piano Competition in Nohant, from August 15 to 23, 2026, at the Frédéric Chopin Auditorium of the George Sand estate. Twenty-four pianists selected from around the world will exclusively perform works by Chopin, in the very place where the composer created them. Martha Argerich is the patroness of this inaugural edition, before an international jury of seven concert artists and pedagogues. All rounds are open to the public.
1st edition of the Chopin Pleyel Competition — 2026
The very first edition of the Chopin Pleyel International Piano Competition in Nohant will be held from August 15 to 23, 2026 at the Frédéric Chopin Auditorium of the George Sand estate, in Nohant-Vic (Indre). Twenty-four pianists selected from around the world will exclusively perform works by Frédéric Chopin, in the very place where the composer stayed and composed alongside George Sand.
The competition is jointly created by the Centre des monuments nationaux, the Nohant Festival Chopin, and Pianos Pleyel, under the direction of pianist Yves Henry, president of the Nohant Festival Chopin. The opening night takes place on Saturday, August 15. The first round will be held on August 16 and 17 (individual recitals), the second round on August 18 and 19, followed by the two-part final on August 21 and 22. The gala concert and awards ceremony will conclude the competition on Sunday, August 23.
Pianist Martha Argerich is the patroness of this inaugural edition, a place dear to her heart where she has performed twice for the festival. An international jury of seven concert artists and pedagogues — Boris Berman, Akiko Ebi, Yves Henry, Ewa Pobłocka, Bruno Rigutto, Rena Shereshevskaya, and Danwen Wei — recognized for their expertise in Chopin's work, will judge the candidates. All rounds, the opening night, and the laureates' concert are open to the public.
Programme Concours Chopin Pleyel 2026
Saturday, August 15, 2026
- 8:00 PM — Competition opening night
Sunday, August 16 and Monday, August 17, 2026
- First round — individual recitals (20 minutes per candidate, 14 candidates per day)
Tuesday, August 18 and Wednesday, August 19, 2026
- Second round — individual recitals (40 minutes per candidate, 6 candidates per day)
Friday, August 21 and Saturday, August 22, 2026
- 2:30 PM — Final, solo recital round
- 7:30 PM — Final, orchestral round
Sunday, August 23, 2026
- 3:00 PM — Laureates' gala concert and awards ceremony
Highlights Concours Chopin Pleyel 2026
- First edition of the competition
- Patroness: Martha Argerich
- 24 pianists selected from around the world
- International jury of 7 experts in Chopin's work
- Repertoire exclusively dedicated to Chopin
- Rounds at the George Sand estate, Chopin's place of composition
- All rounds open to the public
Prices Concours Chopin Pleyel 2026
Practical information — Concours Chopin Pleyel
Practical Information
Access
The George Sand estate is located in Nohant-Vic (36400), in Indre, 6 km from La Châtre and approximately 30 km south of Châteauroux. From the A20 motorway, take the Châteauroux-Sud exit then follow the D943 towards La Châtre.
Dates
From August 15 to 23, 2026. Opening night on August 15. First round on August 16 and 17. Second round on August 18 and 19. Final in two heats on August 21 and 22. Gala concert of the laureates and award ceremony on August 23.
Booking
Bookings from April 2026 online at festivalnohant.com and at the La Châtre tourist office. Tickets also available by phone at 02 54 48 46 40 (from July 21) and by e-mail at [email protected]. Tickets from 15 € to 70 € depending on the session, full pass (category A) at 390 €.
Contact
E-mail: [email protected]
Tips
The rounds are open to the public but places are limited: book as soon as tickets go on sale. The George Sand estate can also be visited outside of the rounds. Accommodation available in La Châtre and the surrounding area.
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Where does it take place — Concours Chopin Pleyel
Domaine de George Sand
Domaine de George Sand, 2 place Sainte-Anne, 36400 Nohant-Vic