The 9th International Piano Competition “Banja Luka Biennale 2026” will be held in the Concert Hall of the Cultural Centre Banski Dvor and the Concert Hall of the Art School “Vlado Milošević” in Banja Luka from May 14 to 17, 2026.
The competition disciplines include:
- Piano Solo
- Piano Duo (four hands or two pianos)
- Piano Practicum
Application deadline: April 27, 2026
COMPETITION RULES
Article 1: The competition is organized by the Public Institution Art School “Vlado Milošević” Banja Luka.
Article 2: The competition is held biennially, in even-numbered years.
Article 3: The competition is international.
Article 4: Participants are evaluated by an international professional jury composed of distinguished piano performers and pedagogues.
Article 5: Applicants must submit their application and pay the entry fee by the deadline.
Article 6: In case of withdrawal, the entry fee is non-refundable.
Article 7: Participants cover their own travel and accommodation expenses.
Article 8: Monetary awards are provided for:
- Piano Solo: Categories IV–VIII
- Piano Duo: Categories IV–VI
- “Nevena Popović” Award for the most promising young pianist
Article 9: Categories with fewer than 10 competitors are not eligible for monetary prizes.
Article 10: Only one winner per category is allowed; in case of a tie, the younger competitor wins.
Article 11: Piano solo competitors perform from memory; piano duo and practicum may perform from score.
Article 12: The jury may stop performances exceeding the time limit.
Article 13: Final score is the average of all jury marks.
| Award |
Points |
| Special Prize |
100 |
| First Prize |
95–100 |
| Second Prize |
85–94 |
| Third Prize |
75–84 |
| Certificate |
65–74 |
Article 14: Jury members may not evaluate their own students or relatives.
Article 15: The number of prizes is not limited.
Article 16: Jury decisions are final and irrevocable.
Article 17: All competitors receive diplomas; candidates below 75 points receive certificates.
APPLICATIONS AND DOCUMENTATION
Applications must be submitted electronically no later than April 27, 2026:
https://bijenale.muzicka-skola.org/
- Birth certificate
- Passport copy (for international participants)
- Proof of payment of the entry fee
