Welcome to the AD LIBITUM International Piano Competition
– a space for artistic individuality and musical expression

The AD LIBITUM International Piano Competition is an online piano competition that invites pianists of all ages, levels, and nationalities to share their music on an international stage.

We believe that every pianist has a unique musical voice worth hearing.

Ad Libitum International Piano Competition graphics

Choose the repertoire that reflects you.

In addition to the main age category, participants may enter multiple Expert Categories based on style, composer, or musical form. This allows you to present different aspects of your artistry and increases your chances of receiving multiple distinctions, including the Versatile Pianist Award.

Why participate

Participants benefit from international recognition, diplomas across multiple categories, optional jury feedback, and the opportunity to compete for special titles. Whether you are looking for artistic motivation, professional encouragement, or a meaningful performance goal, AD LIBITUM offers a supportive and inspiring platform for pianists at every stage of development.

Your interpretation matters.

AD LIBITUM is an international piano competition that focuses on musical personality and artistic awareness. We value not only technical precision, but also imagination, depth, sound quality, and individuality. Each performance is approached with attention to expression, character, and musical meaning.

Apply when you are ready.

Our online format allows you to prepare and submit your performance comfortably, from your own environment, at a time that suits your artistic process. This flexibility makes AD LIBITUM a piano competition for all ages and a convenient choice for participants from around the world.

Application deadline: 15 May 2026
Results announcement: 30 May 2026

Submit Your Performance
Each performance is evaluated individually by an experienced international jury, with attention to both artistic detail and overall musical vision.
We invite you to explore your musical depth, develop your artistic voice, and share it with the world. You can also learn how easy it is to prepare a video submission and discover more about our online piano competition on the How to Participate page.

Our Testimonials

Thank you so much for the great and very trustful organization! As we already mentioned, that we could have a lot of fun during recording.
Your Motto “Personality” sounds very nice and this made Luise very relaxed. The things I have said are just like “Ad Libitum wants to hear original wishes from the composer through your play”.

Luise's mom

Thank you very much for this opportunity and for your comments, i´ll take them into consideration.
It was a pleasure to participate in this competition.

Bruno

Thank you for arranging this competition. All comments are very helpful for Suppakrit and he will try to do better in the future.

Sutsiri

Thank you so much for all the great hard work and effort to organize this beautiful competition for all young talented musicians from around the world and to get to know each other as well as learn from each other. I really appreciate that and glad to experience from this true musical platform, and to realize my son Logan his strength and weakness, also to gain his experience to learn how to improve and develop himself in his musical journey in the future. We all really enjoyed this competition and congratulations to all of you for the successful Ad Libitum Piano Competition.

Frankie

Thank you very much for your message and your news: thank you for the awarded prizes!
It was a pleasure to take part in this contest.
I sincerely feel very thankful for the words and feedback from the Jury members.
All my best regards for the future, for you and the Jury!

Abraham

Meet the Jury

Michal Nowak

Michał Nowak

Polish pianist based in Berlin, Germany. He represents a comprehensive philosophical and emotional approach to interpretation. He has an extensive knowledge of music from the Baroque to the present day.

Daria Zurawlowa

Daria Zurawlowa

Polish pianist whose interpretations are characterized by her artistic maturity, expressiveness, and extremely personal, lucid message.
Daria Żurawlowa is the Founder and the vice president of the Foundation.

Arnold Gniwek juror

Arnold Gniwek

Polish pianist highly regarded for his exuberant and youthful interpretations, exceptional attention to details and nuances as well as for captivating sound. He gives concerts across the Europe and the USA.

Gabriela Glapska

Gabriela Glapska

Pianist based in Wellington, New Zealand. She completed her PhD degree in music from Victoria University of Wellington in 2020. She received her Master’s Degree with Distinction in Poland studying under the tutelage of prof. Ewa Pobłocka