Piano Plus

PIANO PLUS
The Richard Goula International Chamber Music Competition
February 27–28, 2027 | Lafayette, Louisiana

A unique international competition for piano-inclusive chamber ensembles, celebrating artistry, collaboration, and career-building opportunities for emerging musicians.

Application portal opens here May 1, 2026

About the Competition

PIANO PLUS is the first competition of its kind to focus specifically on ensembles that include piano, highlighting the pianist’s central role in chamber music.

The inaugural live competition will take place February 27–28, 2027 in the James Devin Moncus Theater, Lafayette, Louisiana, culminating in a public final concert that showcases the top ensembles.

Why Piano-Inclusive Ensembles?
Piano-inclusive ensembles demand exceptional collaboration, balance, and artistic leadership. This competition gives emerging artists a platform to demonstrate these skills while performing internationally recognized repertoire.

Prizes

• First Prize: $7,500 + performance engagement in AcA’s next season
• Second Prize: $5,000
• Third Prize: $2,500

Total prizes: $15,000

Eligibility

• Instrumental ensembles of 2–5 musicians including piano
• All performers must be 27 or younger as of February 28, 2027
• Open to ensembles from the United States and internationally

Competition Format

Preliminary Round (Online Video Submission):
Submit a recorded performance for review by an international jury panel.

Semifinal Round (Live Performance in Lafayette):
8–10 ensembles will perform 25–30 minute programs on February 27, 2027.

Final Round (Public Concert):
Three finalists perform 35–40 minute programs on February 28, 2027.

Artistic Advisory Committee

PIANO PLUS is guided by an international panel of performers, educators, and artistic leaders:

Mrs. Tanya Bannister – International concert pianist; President, Concert Artists Guild, New York; Artistic Director, Alpen Kammermusik Festival, Austria

Prof. Antonio di Cristofano, Italy – International concert pianist; Artistic Director, International Piano Competition A. Scriabin; Artistic Director, International Conducting Competition S. Kussewitzky; Artistic Director, Orchestra Sinfonica Città di Grosseto

Prof. Willis Delony, USA – International concert pianist, composer, and arranger; Boyd Professor of Piano and Jazz Studies, Louisiana State University

Prof. James C. Dick, USA – International concert pianist; Artistic Director, Round Top Festival Institute, Texas

Prof. Andreas Frölich, Germany – International concert pianist; Hochschule für Musik und Tanz, Köln; Yehudi Menuhin School, London; Artistic Director, MozArte International Piano Competition and Festival, Aachen

Prof. Alexander Huelshoff, Germany – International concert cellist and conductor; Artistic Director, Orchesterzentrum NRW, Dortmund; Professor, Folkwang Universität der Künste, Essen; Artistic Director, Villa Musica, Rheinland-Pfalz

Prof. Ilya Kaler, USA – International concert violinist; Professor, Cleveland Institute of Music

Prof. Mariusz Smolij, Poland/USA (Chair) – International concert and opera conductor; Music Director, Riverside Symphonia, New Jersey; Professor & Director of Orchestras, Utah State University

Prof. Orit Wolf, Israel – International concert pianist and composer; Associate Professor of Creative Arts, Technion University, Haifa; Artistic Director, “On a Personal Note with Orit Wolf” Concert Series

About Richard Goula

Richard Goula (1943–2017) was a South Louisiana philanthropist, classical pianist, painter, botanist, and business leader. His lifelong passion for music and the arts continues through the Thistlewood Foundation, which supports arts, culture, music, and botany in Lafayette and beyond. PIANO PLUS honors his vision for artistic excellence and youth development.

Inquiries

Contact: Brandon Motz
Performing Arts Director
brandon@acadianacenterforthearts.org