Pacific Stars International Piano Competition and Festival

05/08/2025

We are thrilled to share that Hanyuan Zhu, First Prize winner of the 2023 Pacific Stars International Piano Competition (Professional Youth Division), has officially been selected for the 2025 International Chopin Piano Competition in Warsaw!

A graduate of the Shanghai Conservatory of Music Middle School, Hanyuan Zhu is currently studying at the Oberlin Conservatory under the guidance of the legendary pianist Dang Thai Son. His poetic sensitivity and commanding artistry continue to impress on both national and international stages.

This exciting achievement once again highlights the professionalism and international caliber of the Pacific Stars International Piano Competition. In recent years, PSIPC prizewinners have gone on to compete in the world’s five most prestigious piano competitions: Chopin, Van Cliburn, Tchaikovsky, Leeds, and Queen Elisabeth.

From Pacific Stars to the world—this is where musical journeys begin.

04/25/2025

Official Released today!

✨THIS FRIDAY✨This new album of Domenico Scarlatti's Complete Keyboard Sonatas Vol. 30 marks the Naxos debut of award-winning pianist Rixiang Huang. The works included in this collection thoroughly explore the capabilities of both instrument and player, with thrilling inventiveness, dazzling virtuosity, and beautiful lyricism, encapsulating Scarlatti’s legacy as a trailblazer in this genre.

🎶DISCOVER: https://naxos.lnk.to/8574657FA

04/12/2025

A little moment I’d like to share—something very precious to me.

My fourth solo album, Scarlatti: Complete Keyboard Sonatas Vol. 30, was officially released worldwide by Naxos Records on April 25. From the very first idea to the final mastering, this album took a full year to complete. Over the course of that year, there were countless late nights of revisions, many uncertain decisions, and also moments of rediscovering trust—in the music, and in myself.

Naxos was my very first encounter with classical music. As a child, I used to flip through their thick catalog in front of the CD shelf and listen to their recordings over and over again. To me, they were more than just a record label—they were part of my earliest musical memory. To now be one of their artists feels, in some way, like a reply to the dreams of my younger self.

Choosing to record a complete set of Scarlatti’s sonatas was a brand new journey—one that took me back to the “original motivation.” His music may seem simple on the surface, but it holds countless subtle, delicate emotions—at times, almost like it’s exchanging glances with the performer. I tried to listen for the melodies hidden in silence, and to pour my own understanding into every tiny detail.

To everyone who has walked this journey with me: thank you. I truly couldn’t have made it here without you.

With this album, I hope you’ll feel a little sunlight, a little sincerity, and a little warmth left behind each note.

Here's the album BUY/STREAM link: https://naxos.lnk.to/8574657AC

04/05/2025

03/31/2025

What an incredible experience at the Pacific Stars International Piano Competition in San Diego! The performances were truly inspiring, showcasing the remarkable talent, dedication, and artistry of each contestant. A heartfelt thank you to all participants and parents for making this event so special. Your commitment to excellence is what makes this competition a standout platform for young musicians.

We would also like to extend our deepest gratitude to Rick Rice and the San Diego Steinway Gallery for generously providing such a fantastic venue for our competition. A special thank you to our esteemed judges, Congyu Wang and François Chouchan, whose expertise and insightful feedback were truly inspiring to all the contestants. Your support and dedication to the next generation of pianists are invaluable. Congratulations to the winners—we look forward to seeing you in the final round!

03/11/2025

Only 5 days left to register for the San Diego Regional Round of the 2025 Pacific Stars International Piano Competition, sponsored by Henle G. Verlag! Deadline: March 15!

This is a fantastic chance for pianists of all levels to compete for $10,000+ in prizes, perform at Carnegie Hall on October 5, and earn scholarships to play with top European orchestras. Plus, Pacific Stars also serves as a preselection for The Piano Concerto Festival in Paris this July!

Key Dates:
• San Diego Round: March 29 (Apply by March 15)
• Los Angeles Round: June 21 (Deadline: June 1)
• Finals: June 22
• Carnegie Hall Winners’ Recital: October 5

Apply Now:
• Live: www.pacificstars.org/livecompetition
• Online: www.pacificstars.org/internationalcompetition

Don’t miss out—apply today!

02/02/2025

🎹✨ Join the 2025 Pacific Stars International Piano Competition! ✨🎹

We’re beyond excited to invite YOU to this year’s Pacific Stars International Piano Competition, proudly sponsored by Henle G. Verlag! 🌟 Whether you’re a young prodigy or a seasoned pianist, this is your chance to shine on a global stage!

🎶 Why compete?
✅ $10,000+ in total prizes 💰
✅ Winners perform at Carnegie Hall on October 5, 2025 🎭
✅ Scholarship opportunities to perform with top European orchestras 🎼

🌎 Last year, over 500 pianists from around the world competed! This year, we’re making it even easier to participate with new regional rounds in San Diego & Los Angeles!

📅 Key Dates:
📌 San Diego Round – March 29 (Apply by March 15)
📌 Los Angeles Round – June 21 (Apply by June 1)
📌 Finals – June 22
📌 Winners’ Recital at Carnegie Hall – October 5 🎉

🔥 NEW! San Diego pianists, we’re bringing the competition to YOU on March 29! Don’t miss this exciting opportunity!

📢 Ready to compete?
👉 Apply for the live competition: www.pacificstars.org/livecompetition
👉 Prefer online? Check out our international competition: www.pacificstars.org/internationalcompetition

🎹 Interested in being a judge? Send your bio & resume to [email protected]

Tag your piano friends & let’s make this an unforgettable year of music! 🎵✨