Heida Hermanns International Music Competition

The 2026 Heida Hermanns International Music Competition, hosted by MoCA/CT, is for talented pianists ages 18-30 worldwide to compete. We aim to showcase exceptional piano performances and promote music entrepreneurship in musicians. The competition includes an online preliminary round and an in-person final round where participants demonstrate their technical prowess, interpretive skills, and musical expression. It’s a platform for emerging artists to gain recognition and connect with the global music community.

The winner receives a cash prize of $20,000; second prize is $10,000, and third prize is $5,000. In addition to a cash prize, the Winner will receive an invitation to perform a solo recital at MoCA Westport the following year. Finalists will be provided with transportation accommodations and lodging with a host family for the final round.

Prior winners include celebrated pianists who have gone on to perform in the world’s most important halls, such as Spencer Myer, Frederic Chiu, Josh Wright, Timur Mustikimov, and Yue Chu.

Now in its 55th year, the Heida Hermanns International Music Competition continues to honor the legacy of pianist and philanthropist Heida Hermanns, championing emerging artists on the world stage.

MoCA\CT appreciates the generous support of the competition’s sponsors: Beechwood Arts & Innovation/The HIVE, Conlon Amendola PLLC, Design Within Reach, Kristin Foster, Honda of Westport, Lance Lundberg and Terry McGuiness, Laura Nuter, Dogan and Laura Perese, Gary Rozal, The Russell Agency, Anneruth Serman, Norman and Suzanne Sorensen, The Arthur and Heida Hermanns Holde Foundation, The Joyce Thompson Art Fund, and The Walton Family.