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The Bay PianoFest and San Francisco International Piano Competition proudly opens this year’s festivities with a special concert featuring the 2024 Gold Prize Winner, Yichen Feng. This highly anticipated performance celebrates the artistry and excellence of a young pianist who emerged at the top of last year’s competition.

Held at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music, the Opening Concert showcases the winner’s unique musical voice through a thoughtfully curated solo program. This event not only honors their achievement, but also inspires this year’s contestants and audience members alike with a glimpse into the level of artistry the competition seeks to cultivate.

Join us for an evening of exceptional music-making as we celebrate the future of piano performance and set the tone for an exciting week of world-class talent.

Bay PianoFest Conducting Workshops

The Bay PianoFest Conducting Workshops are designed specifically for pianists who wish to deepen their understanding of music from the conductor’s perspective. This immersive experience provides hands-on training in baton technique, score reading, rehearsal leadership, and ensemble communication—all essential skills that strengthen a pianist’s musical insight and collaborative artistry.

For pianists, studying conducting cultivates a broader sense of musical architecture, enhances listening across multiple lines, and sharpens interpretive awareness. It also offers valuable perspective on working with orchestras, whether as a concerto soloist or collaborative musician.

Set in a supportive and artistically vibrant environment, the Bay PianoFest Conducting Workshops inspire pianists to lead with clarity, confidence, and deeper musical understanding—both on and off the podium.

Masterclass with Professor Yoshikazu Nagai

Bay PianoFest is honored to present public masterclasses with distinguished artists. Join us for a masterclass with Professor Yoshikazu Nagai, Chair of the Piano Department at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music. Renowned for his insightful teaching and successful students, Professor Nagai offers invaluable guidance on interpretation, technique, and artistic expression.

Piano Performance Forums

Piano Performance Forums is an interactive group class featuring three young artists performing alongside four distinguished guest artists. This unique forum combines live performance with open discussion, offering valuable insights into interpretation, technique, and artistry.

Bay PianoFest Conducting Workshops

The Bay PianoFest Conducting Workshops are designed specifically for pianists who wish to deepen their understanding of music from the conductor’s perspective. This immersive experience provides hands-on training in baton technique, score reading, rehearsal leadership, and ensemble communication—all essential skills that strengthen a pianist’s musical insight and collaborative artistry.

For pianists, studying conducting cultivates a broader sense of musical architecture, enhances listening across multiple lines, and sharpens interpretive awareness. It also offers valuable perspective on working with orchestras, whether as a concerto soloist or collaborative musician.

Participants will have the opportunity to conduct live ensembles, receive personalized feedback from experienced faculty, and explore the rich connection between gesture, expression, and sound. These workshops are ideal for pianists at an advanced pre-college or collegiate level who are curious about conducting or seeking to become more complete musicians.

Set in a supportive and artistically vibrant environment, the Bay PianoFest Conducting Workshops inspire pianists to lead with clarity, confidence, and deeper musical understanding—both on and off the podium.

San Francisco International Piano Competition – Final Round (Young Artists)

The Final Round of the San Francisco International Piano Competition represents the culminating stage of the competition, held live at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music. Finalists, selected from the preliminary round, showcase their artistry in front of an esteemed panel of jurors and a live audience.

Each finalist presents a compelling solo recital program designed to highlight their technical mastery, interpretive depth, and musical individuality. The performances are evaluated by a jury of internationally recognized pianists and educators, who will determine the winners of the Gold, Silver, and Bronze Prizes in each category.

In addition to cash awards, finalists may receive invitations for future performance opportunities, professional development, and ongoing recognition through the competition’s network. The Final Round not only celebrates artistic excellence—it offers a platform for young artists to connect, grow, and share their music on a world-class stage.

San Francisco International Piano Competition – Award Ceremony

The Award Ceremony marks the celebratory conclusion of the San Francisco International Piano Competition. Held at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music, the ceremony honors the remarkable achievements of all finalists and announces the official results of the competition.

Gold, Silver, and Bronze Prizes are awarded in each category, along with special distinctions and recognitions. Jurors may also present individual commendations, and select finalists may be offered future performance or mentorship opportunities.

The ceremony is an opportunity for participants, families, faculty, and audience members to come together in celebration of excellence, dedication, and musical growth. It serves not only as the finale of the competition, but as a launchpad for the next stage of each young artist’s journey.