Minerbio, October 5, 2026 – The X International Competition for Young Pianists “Città di Minerbio” has successfully concluded its tenth edition, with a strong response from the international community of young pianists and the public.
The 2026 edition attracted more than 100 young pianists from different countries, confirming the growing international appeal of the “Città di Minerbio” and its important role as a platform for emerging musical talent. Over the course of the competition, the young musicians had the opportunity to perform before an international jury and to share their artistry with an enthusiastic and attentive audience.
The Winner of the X Edition is ENOCH WAI, who also won First Prize in Category II (reserved for pianists up to 23 years of age) as well as the prestigious EMCY Prize. His achievement represents the highest recognition of this tenth edition and celebrates the exceptional artistic qualities he demonstrated throughout the competition.
The competition was accompanied by a programme of concerts and musical events that attracted large and enthusiastic audiences, further confirming the strong interest in classical music and in the young performers. The concerts offered the public the opportunity to discover talented musicians from different countries and to experience the artistic quality of the competition beyond the competitive dimension itself.
The success of the tenth edition is the result of the commitment of the entire organizing team, led by Artistic Director Prof. Luisa Grillo, together with the Organizing Committee, the international jury, the volunteers, collaborators, and all those who contributed to the event.
A special acknowledgement goes to Shigeru Kawai, whose support and provision of the competition’s pianos helped ensure the highest standards for the young performers.
Special thanks also go to 2R Studio Produzioni Multimediali, which handled the streaming and multimedia production, allowing the competition and its musical events to reach audiences beyond Minerbio and extending the international visibility of the initiative.
The Organizing Committee would also like to express its sincere gratitude to all the institutions, sponsors, and partners whose support made the tenth edition possible.
Shigeru Kawai, 2R Studio Produzioni Multimediali, Fondazione Cassa di Risparmio in Bologna, Emil Banca, Comune di Minerbio, Comune di Baricella, Comune di Granarolo dell’Emilia, Pro Loco di Minerbio, Regione Emilia-Romagna, Caravita, NCR Biochemical S.p.A., COOP Reno, Lions Clubs International Lyda Borelli – Malalbergo, Orchestra SenzaSpine, Dott.ssa Eleonora Scaramagli, Fondazione Liszt, Hotel Nanni Minerbio.
The Organizing Committee extends its heartfelt thanks to all the participants and prize-winners, their teachers and families, the members of the international jury, the audience, sponsors, institutions, partners, and collaborators who contributed to making this tenth edition a success.
The “Città di Minerbio” International Competition for Young Pianists looks to the future with renewed enthusiasm, continuing its mission of supporting young musicians, promoting musical excellence, and creating opportunities for talented pianists from around the world.
The X Edition was judged by an international panel composed of:
Artistic Director: Prof. LUISA GRILLO
