Six rising stars compete for $20,000 at national piano showdown in Kingston

Isabel Bader Centre announces semi-finalists for 2026 Bader & Overton Canadian Piano Competition.

Six pianists from across Canada have been named semi-finalists in the 2026 Bader & Overton Canadian Piano Competition, set for May 6 to 9 at the Isabel Bader Centre for the Performing Arts.

The competitors are Eric Guo, Lauren Esch, Linda Ruan, Charissa Vandikas, Naomi Wong and Vanessa Yu. They were selected after a competitive preliminary round.

The competition, supported by Bader Philanthropies, Inc., aims to support the next generation of Canadian pianists. It also promotes Indigenization, equity, diversity, inclusion, anti-Black racism and accessibility. This year’s event reflects the Isabel’s 2025–2026 theme, “Extending the Rafters,” with new and diverse repertoire requirements. A newly commissioned work by Indigenous composer Cris Derksen will be featured, along with special prizes for performances of works by BIPOC and women composers.

“These six performing artists represent an extraordinary breadth of musical voices and artistic perspectives,” said Gordon E. Smith, director of the Isabel Bader Centre.

The semi-final round will take place May 6 and 7, followed by the final on May 9. Three finalists will advance to perform both a solo creative program and a concerto. All performances will be open to the public and livestreamed.

The first prize is $20,000, along with future performances and a CBC Music recording. Additional prizes bring the total awards to more than $35,000. More information is available at queensu.ca/theisabel.

Story by Alyssa Brush