The 2026 International Maestro Piano Festival will take place at the Department of Music, National Taiwan Normal University from January 31 to Feb. 10, 2026. This remarkable event boasts lessons and lectures by world-renowned artists, accompanied by a multitude of concerts at the national concert hall, national recital hall, Taipei, and Taipei Zhongshan Hall. The grand finale is the Promising Star Concert and Competition at the Taipei Zhongshan Hall.
​
National Taiwan Normal University (NTNU) is located in the Da’an District of Taipei City and is one of Taiwan’s most prestigious and historic national universities. Situated near the vibrant Shida Night Market and Yongkang commercial area, the campus benefits from convenient amenities and a rich cultural atmosphere. NTNU’s campus blends the energy of city life with a serene academic atmosphere and is renowned for its strong artistic traditions and vibrant intellectual environment. It has cultivated many outstanding musicians and maintains close ties with arts organizations both domestically and internationally. As a place where creative inspiration meets professional training, NTNU’s ideal location allows students to easily engage with music festivals and cultural events—whether stepping into the National Concert Hall, visiting Zhongshan Hall, or simply interacting with the sounds of the city. In such a space full of creativity and opportunity, participating in an arts festival is not only a platform to showcase one’s talent but also a gateway to dialogue with the world.

This festival welcomes musicians from around the world, regardless of age, and offers online applications. Whether you're a member of the public, a music enthusiast, or a professional musician, all are invited to participate as audience members, volunteers, or sponsors. Let art and music enrich your life and warm your soul.

Important Dates and Venues for the 2026 IMPF
*Please note that minor adjustments of the masterclasses may still be made.

Jan. 31, Sat.
10:00｜Opening Ceremony of the IMPF｜Lobby, National Theater Hall
13:15｜Masterclass｜Department of Music, NTNU
15:30｜Masterclass｜Department of Music, NTNU

Feb. 1, Sun.
09:30｜Masterclass｜Department of Music, NTNU
12:30｜Masterclass｜Department of Music, NTNU
15:30｜Masterclass｜Department of Music, NTNU

Feb. 2–4, Mon. to Wed.
10:00｜Masterclass｜Department of Music, NTNU
14:00｜Masterclass｜Department of Music, NTNU
18:00｜Masterclass｜Department of Music, NTNU

Feb. 5, Thu.
19:30｜Promising Star Concert I｜Zhongzheng Auditorium, Taipei Zhongshan Hall

Feb. 6, Fri.
14:30｜Promising Star Concert II｜Zhongzheng Auditorium, Taipei Zhongshan Hall
19:30｜Promising Star Concert III｜Zhongzheng Auditorium, Taipei Zhongshan Hall

Feb. 7, Sat.
14:30｜Promising Star Concert IV｜Zhongzheng Auditorium, Taipei Zhongshan Hall
17:30｜Promising Star Award Ceremony｜Zhongzheng Auditorium, Taipei Zhongshan Hall

Feb. 8–9, Sun. to Mon.
10:00｜Masterclass｜Department of Music, NTNU
14:00｜Masterclass｜Department of Music, NTNU
18:00｜Masterclass｜Department of Music, NTNU

Feb. 10, Tue.
10:00｜Masterclass｜Department of Music, NTNU
14:00｜Masterclass｜Department of Music, NTNU
18:00｜Closing Ceremony｜Palais de Chine, 5F Bright Hall

Feb. 11, Wed.
Departure

The accommodation for 2026 IMPF participants
Center for Public and Business Administration Education, National Chengchi Univsersity, AKA Taipei Hotel 
No. 187, Jinhua St., Da’an Dist., Taipei City 106304 , Taiwan 

​**Check-in date for boarding students is January 30, and check-out date is February 11.
**Detailed information about masterclasses and concerts will be updated during the time. 


​2026 Master Series-Piano Recital


Antonio Pompa-Baldi Piano Recital 
​Jan. 19 Mon. 19:30 
National Concert Hall, Taipei


Alexander Kobrin Piano Recital 
Jan. 26  Mon. 19:30 (National Concert Hall)
Jan. 27  Tue. 19:30
Jan. 29  Thu. 19:30
Jan. 31   Sat. 19:30
Mar. 20  Fri. 19:30
Mar. 22  Sun. 14:30
Mar. 24  Tue. 19:30
Mar. 26  Thu. 19:30
National Concert Hall and Recital Hall, Taipei


Fabio Bidini Piano Recital
​​Jan. 28 Wed. 19:30
National Concert Hall, Taipei


William Youn Piano Recital
Feb. 1 Sun, 19:30
National Recital Hall, Taipei


​Hisako Kawamura Piano Recital
Feb. 7 Sat. 19:30 
​​Taipei Zhongshan Hall, Zhongzheng Auditorium


Ewa Pobłocka Piano Recital
Mar. 28 Sat. 19:30
​National Concert Hall, Taipei
Apr. 1 Wed. 19:30
National Kaohsiung Center for the Arts Weiwuying, Performance Hall

2026 Lectures


Feb. 5, Thu.
13:30 Lecture I
Debussy Preludes
Professor: Michel Béroff

14:30 Lecture II
What is the Point of Playing the Piano & Psychology of Playing 
Professor: Alexander Kobrin

15:30 Lecture III
Living with the Cliburn International Piano Competition and Creating Piano Texas International Festival & Academy
A Personal Perspective and Experience
Professor: Tamás Ungár

Taipei Zhongshan Hall, Guangfu Hall
No. 98, Yanping S. Rd., Zhongzheng Dist., Taipei City 100005, Taiwan

Feb. 7, Sat.
10:00 Lecture IV
Pedaling and Finger-pedaling
Professor: Antonio Pompa-Baldi

11:00 Lecture V
The sound of piano 
Professor: Fabio Bidini

Taipei Zhongshan Hall, Guangfu Hall
No. 98, Yanping S. Rd., Zhongzheng Dist., Taipei City 100005, Taiwan
During the festival, there will be more than 350 hours of lessons with world-renowned artists teaching all of the active participants.
In the concluding days of the festival, we proudly present the Promising-Star Concert Pianist Competition. From the initial application videos, 28 exceptional competitors will be chosen to perform on stage during the festival. This competition showcases their talents in a live setting, culminating in the selection of one standout performer. The winner of the 2025 competition will earn the prestigious opportunity to perform a concerto with the Kaohsiung Youth Symphony Orchestra during the 2026/2027 season.
Beyond the essential aspects of practice and learning, experiencing concerts plays a pivotal role in the musical journey of learners. That's why we offer not just four Promising-Star concert & competition, but also assemble a group of world-renowned pianists to present a series of solo recitals, creating a symphony of life through their performances.