The Queen Elisabeth Competition for Piano makes a long-awaited and triumphant return with an audience in 2025. After nine years without live spectators, this prestigious competition will once again take place at Flagey and the Palace of Fine Arts (Bozar). The previous edition in 2021 was organized without an audience due to the pandemic, but this year music lovers can once again experience the virtuoso performances of young piano talents in person.
Ticket sales start in February
For those who don't want to miss this unique edition, ticket sales begin in February. Starting Tuesday February 4, 2025 music lovers can reserve subscriptions for the various competition rounds and laureate concerts. From Tuesday, February 18, individual tickets will be available.
Sales are conducted through Flagey and Bozar, both online, by phone, and at the box office. Those wishing to purchase tickets by phone or in person at Bozar are advised to book a personal appointment. From January 21, you can reserve a time slot to avoid queues. Of course, online reservations remain available without an appointment.
More details about prices and reservations can be found here here.
Youth discounts for a broad audience
The Queen Elisabeth Competition is also making a strong commitment this year to engaging younger generations. For music lovers under 26, there are special discount packages for all rounds and concerts. Additionally, depending on availability, last-minute tickets at significantly reduced prices are available at the door. A great opportunity to discover young musical talent!
All information about these affordable packages can be found here on the official Website of the Queen Elisabeth Competition.
Competition schedule
The 2025 edition begins on Friday, May 2 with the draw that determines the order of candidates. The first round and semifinals will then take place at Flagey:
- First round: Monday, May 5 – Saturday, May 10 (3 p.m. & 8 p.m.)Semifinal: Monday, May 12 – Saturday, May 17 (3 p.m. & 8 p.m.)
- 24 semifinalists will present a recital and perform with the Orchestre Royal de Chambre de Wallonie, under the direction of Vahan Mardirossian.
The final and laureate concerts will be held at the Palace of Fine Arts:
- FinalMonday, May 26 – Saturday, May 31 (8:15 PM)
- 12 finalists perform a concerto of their choice and the mandatory piece, accompanied by the Brussels Philharmonic conducted by Kazushi Ono.
- Prize-Winners' Recitals, Wednesday, June 4 & Thursday, June 5 (8:15 PM)
- Performed by the non-placed laureates.
- Prize-Winners' Concert, Monday, June 9 (8:15 PM)
- With the 4th, 5th and 6th prize-winner, accompanied by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra of Liège conducted by Martijn Dendievel.
- Closing Concert, Wednesday, June 11 (8:15 PM)
- With the 1st, 2nd and 3rd prize-winner, accompanied by the Antwerp Symphony Orchestra conducted by Christoph Altstaedt.
About the Queen Elisabeth Competition
The Queen Elisabeth Competition, founded in 1937, is one of the most prestigious music competitions in the world. It serves as an important springboard for young violinists, pianists, singers and cellists looking to launch their international careers. With a rigorous selection process, a prestigious jury and extensive media coverage, the competition attracts worldwide attention from music lovers.
During the competition, finalists stay at the Queen Elisabeth Music Chapel, where they have just one week to learn an unpublished concerto without external assistance. This intense preparation makes the competition unique and underscores the exceptional level of the participants.
