‘Queen Elisabeth Competition | Piano 2025’

One of the most demanding and also one of the most widely publicised international competitions, the Queen Elisabeth Competition, ever since its creation in 1937, has established itself as a springboard for young violinists, pianists, singers, and cellists on the threshold of an international career. Steadfastly committed to the project initiated by Eugène Ysaÿe and Queen Elisabeth, the Queen Elisabeth Competition seeks to discover complete artists; it owes its reputation to a prestigious jury, strict rules, and unparalleled media coverage, as well as to the friendly and enthusiastic hospitality offered by an entire country and its Royal Family. 

The Piano Competition is making a triumphant return in 2025. The last piano edition, originally scheduled for 2020, had to be postponed to 2021 due to the pandemic. While the competition proceeded without a live audience in the concert halls, the magic of the performances was felt only through screens. The 2025 session promises to deliver breathtaking performances in the live presence of an enthusiastic audience that has been eagerly waiting for four years.

At Bozar, the twelve finalists will perform from Monday 26 to Saturday 31 May with the Brussels Philharmonic, conducted by Kazushi Ono. On Monday 9 June, the public will have the opportunity to (re)discover the 4th, 5th and 6th laureates with the Orchestre Philharmonique Royal de Liège, conducted by Martijn Dendievel, and on Wednesday 11 June, the first three laureates will close the Piano Competition during the closing concert with the Antwerp Symphony Orchestra, under the baton of Christoph Altstaedt.

Subscriptions will be available as from Tuesday 4 February and tickets as from Tuesday 18 February 2025.