Official Regulations
Rules & Regulations 2026
Deadline : November 1st 2026
Age Categories & Fees
Category A
10 & Under
Fee : €80
1st Prize Value : €550
Semi-Finals : 6 mins
Finals : 10 mins
Category B
11 - 13
Fee : €90
1st Prize Value : €650
Semi-Finals : 8 mins
Finals : 12 mins
Category C
14 - 16
Fee : €100
1st Prize Value : €750
Semi-Finals : 10 mins
Finals : 15 mins
Category D
17 - 21
Fee : €110
1st Prize Value : €1450
Semi-Finals : 15 mins
Finals : 30 mins
Program Requirements
Repertoire Selection
For both rounds, a free program can be chosen for Category A & B applicants. However, applicants from Categories C & D must include at least one movement from a "Viennese Classic" composer (Haydn, Mozart, or Beethoven) in their Finals program.
Belgian Composers
It is not obligatory but recommended to include at least one piece written by a Belgian composer in the semi-final or the final round.
Memory Interpretation
Memory interpretation is required for both rounds of the competition except for certain contemporary pieces after a personal request and approval by the competition.
Program Changes
It is NOT possible to change the semi-finals program after submission. For all selected finalists, it is possible to change your finals program until November 15th, 2026. Candidates may include in their Finals program previously recorded works from the 1st round.
Score Submission
A copy of your program (Urtext or original editions as preferred by the jury) must be scanned and sent by all finalists to office@cfipc.com before November 15th, 2026. Programme changes are not permitted after this date. Any candidate who fails to submit the required scores by the deadline risks disqualification.
Semi-Finals (Online)
Video Standards
- • All video submissions should not be edited (audio). All edited videos will be automatically disqualified.
- • Recordings must be made in 2026 and recorded in one take without cuts, also between pieces, like in a live competition (i.e. a single link) .
- • Must be uploaded directly to a streaming service (YouTube, Vimeo, Dailymotion, Dropbox) where it can be streamed without downloading. No WeTransfer or DVDs.
Logistics & Evaluation
- • Candidates must ensure links remain active until selection announcement. Recordings on upright pianos and smartphones are accepted and will not be penalised.
- • A maximum of 5 finalists will be selected per category, subject to the discretion of the jur .
- • Results announced on November 10th 2026 via email and social media.
Fees & Payment
Bank Transfer Details
Please state : CFIPC 2026 + Full Name + Category
- Account Name : CFIPC
- Bank : BNP Paribas Fortis
- IBAN : BE28 0016 9098 3620
- BIC : GEBABEBB
- Address : Lijsterbessenbomenlaan 6, Kraainem 1950, BELGIUM
PayPal Alternative
Pay via PayPal to office@cfipc.com .
General Regulations
Semifinals (Online) Deadline
November 1, 2026
Results & Selection
November 10, 2026
Max 5 Finalists per Category
Final Deadline
November 15, 2026
Score Submission & Changes
Live Finals Competition
December 18 - 20, 2026
GC De Lijsterbes, Belgium
1. The 14th César Franck IPC is open to all nationalities aged 21 or less at the time of the Finals (18-20 December 2026). Live finals take place at De Lijsterbes, Belgium.
2. Applicants must complete the online form and upload: CV, high-resolution photo (max 2MB), passport scan (candidate & parent), proof of payment, program and video link before 1st November 2026.
3. Candidacy is only confirmed after we have received the application fee.
4. A maximum of 5 participants from each category will be selected to perform in the finals, however, the final and exact number of participants selected is subject to the discretion of the jury.
5. The decision of the jury is final and will not be subjected to reviews or appeals.
6. The results of the semi-finals will be announced on 10th November 2026 via email and social media.
7. The application fee is not refundable and the candidates are responsible for any bank/PayPal transfer fees.
8. The entry in the competition implies the acceptance of the present rules without any reservation.
9. The competition registration acts as an agreement for all candidates and their parents.
10. Organizers reserve the right to record all performances during the competition for radio and television broadcasts. Each candidate renounces all rights, fees and claims regarding such recordings.
11. All contestants under 18 must be accompanied by an adult who will carry full responsibility at all times. If not a parent, a signed permission note is required.
12. All travel expenses, tickets and visas are to be carried out by the participant. Invitation letters are available upon request for visa applications.
13. Contestants are responsible for their own accommodation costs. A special deal with a hotel partner will normally be offered to each candidate.
14. The competition is not responsible for any accidents or incidents involving contestants beyond the standard insurance of the Community Centre De Lijsterbes.
15. It is advised to check personal insurance for coverage of accidents and incidents outside the competition venue.
16. The name of the candidate’s teacher/professor will not be printed in the program for the jury.
17. If a candidate is studying with a member of the jury, this particular jury member will not be allowed to vote for their student.
18. Rules may be subject to change without notice.