A Royal Première:

The Concerto Award 2026 at Hillsborough Castle

In an historic fusion of architectural majesty and musical brilliance,

Le Foyer des Artistes  announces a prestigious new collaboration with Historic Royal Palaces to present the Concerto Award 2026.

The award – supported by YAMAHA Music Europe – is a celebration of the Columban legacy through next-generation virtuosity and takes place in the breathtaking Throne Room of Hillsborough Castle on 7 February 2026.

Three exceptional young pianists representing the Royal Irish Academy of Music in Dublin,  Zürcher Hochschule der Künste in Zürich, and the Escuela Superior de Alto Rendimiento in València will compete for the prestigious award aided by the world-class brilliance of the Yamaha CFX Concert Grand transported from London for this very special event.

Industry leaders from RTÉ and BBC 3 will choose this year’s winner who will come to Derry to perform a piano concerto with Le Foyer des Artistes at St Columb’s Hall in the Midsummer Concert in June, the culmination of a fourth season of extraordinary events.