Our Journey
Celebrating Saudi Arabia’s burgeoning talent in classical piano through our inaugural national competition.
About Our Mission
The Saudi Classical Piano Competition is a pioneering initiative aiming to elevate piano performance in Saudi Arabia. We focus on nurturing talent and promoting classical music across the Kingdom.
Showcasing homegrown artists who are poised to redefine the musical landscape of Saudi Arabia.
Fostering a vibrant music community that inspires and influences future generations of musicians.
Our Vision
To be a leading platform for classical piano talent that transforms Saudi Arabia's cultural identity and music industry.
Our Mission
To empower aspiring pianists and promote Saudi music by organizing a competition that highlights local and international talent.
Young pianist (competitors under 7 years old and under ABRSM grade 3)
Young pianist (competitors under 7 years old and under ABRSM grade 3)
Required piece
Mozart Allegro No 8 from 12 Duos, K 487, arr Blackwell
List of Choice Pieces (choose one)
Tchaikovsky. Sick doll.
Purcell. Minuet A minor, Z. 649
Burgsmüller. Arabesque.
Handel. Gavotte in C.
Group A (competitors under 12 years old and under ABRSM grade 3 with under 1.5 years of active piano experience)
Required piece
Mozart: Allegro in B Flat Major KV 3
List of Choice Pieces (choose one)
Tchaikovsky. New doll.
Schumann. Wild rider (no.8 from Album fur die Jugend, op.68)
Bach. Minuet G major.
Burgmuller. Innocence.
Group B (competitors under 14 years old and between ABRSM grade 3 and 5 with between 1.5 and 3 years of active piano experience)
Required piece
Mozart: Andante from Sonata Facile.
List of Choice Pieces (choose one)
Tchaikovsky. Baba Yaga.
Burgmuller. Ballade.
Bach. Little Prelude in F major, BWV 927.
Scarlatti. Minuet in C Major, K. 73b; L.217.
Group C (competitors under 17 years old and between ABRSM grade 4 and 7 with between 3 and 5 years of active piano experience)
Required piece
Mozart. Piano Sonata No. 5 in G major K 283. Allegro.
List of Choice Pieces (choose one)
Tchaikovsky. Song of the Lark.
Burgmuller. Tarantella.
Schubert. Waltz in B minor.
Bach. Invention 8.
Group D (competitors under 19 years old and above ABRSM grade 5 with more than 5 years of active piano experience)
Required
Mozart Piano Sonata No. 12 in F major. K 332. Allegro.
List of Choice Pieces (choose one)
Tchaikovsky. June (Barcarolle)
Chopin. Valse, op.64. no.1.
Beethoven. Adagio Cantabile Sonata in C minor op. 13 mov. 2.
Bach. Adagio bwv 974.
Amateur intermediate pianist (competitors of any age above 19 years old and with under 3 years of active piano experience)
Required
Mozart: Andante from Sonata Facile.
Choice
Tchaikovsky. Baba Yaga.
Burgmuller. Ballade.
Bach. Little Prelude in F major, BWV 927.
Scarlatti. Minuet in C major, K. 73b; L.217.
Amateur advanced pianist (competitors of any age above 19 years old and with over 3 years of active piano experience)
Required
Mozart. Piano Sonata No. 5 in G major K 283. Allegro.
Choice
Tchaikovsky. June (Barcarolle)
Chopin. Valse, op.64. No.1.
Beethoven. Adagio Cantabile Sonata in C minor op. 13 mov. 2.
Bach. Adagio bwv 974.
Competition Program for 2026
Please, carefully read the instructions pertaining to selection of the pieces for Saudi Classical Piano Competition 2026 to avoid confusion and possible disqualification due to incorrect selection of the repertoire. All competitors should identify their current level based on both age and the number of years of active piano training. You can use ABRSM grades to navigate and properly identify your level. Please refer to each group description to see which category you should compete in. Each competitor should play 2 compositions: 1 required piece by Mozart (should be learned and performed without repeat signs to shorten the composition, deductions will be applied if you decide to play with repeat signs and extend your performance) and 1 piece of choice that comes from the provided list of compositions for the given group (note that this is not a free choice item, you must select one out of 4 compositions provided and perform it on the day of the competition. Again, your selection should be performed without repeat signs to shorten the performance time and deductions will take place if you choose to include all repetitions). Preliminary round will take place on November 6, 2026, and during this round the finalists (3 finalists in each group) will be determined. The next day, during the final round on November 7, 2026, the finalists will perform the same repertoire from the preliminary round without any repetitions. The pdf files below are provided as courtesy for the competitor to simplify sourcing of each composition, and no complaints about these pdf files will be accepted by the committee of the competition. You are free to source your own copy of the original text if it is not simplified and has the same urtext.
Our Jury Members
Ms. Tatiana Plaxina
Competition Committee Head and Founder
Ms. Tatiana Plaxina is a piano teacher and a private piano studio owner in Dammam. Her rapidly growing studio offers lessons to children above 7 and adult female students with excellent track record of successful completion of ABRSM piano exams. Ms. Tatiana’s studio has been active since 2022 in Dammam.
Dr. Galina Diveeva
Dr. of Musical Arts in Piano Performance, Master of Music Education
Galina Diveeva Doctor of Musical Arts in Piano Performance, Master of Music Education Galina Diveeva is an accomplished pianist, pedagogue, and researcher with advanced degrees in Piano Performance (Doctor of Musical Arts) and Music Education, as well as ABD status in Music History (Art Criticism). As a performer, she has appeared in concerts across the United States, China, and Russia. An experienced educator, Galina Diveeva has trained award-winning students who later graduated from leading conservatories and universities in United States, China and Russia. His/her students have excelled in international competitions and examinations, including ABRSM, the Central Conservatory of Music (Beijing), and the Sichuan Conservatory curriculum.
Ms. Dana Rosselbayeva
Distinguished Pianist and Educator
Dana Rosselbayeva is a distinguished pianist and experienced educator whose artistic journey spans continents and cultures. Originally from Kazakhstan, Dana has performed and collaborated both in her home country and internationally, captivating audiences with her expressive playing and refined musicality. She holds advanced degrees in music, including a Master’s degree in Piano Performance, and received her formal training in prestigious institutions across Italy, Norway, Azerbaijan, and Kazakhstan.
With over 10 years of professional experience, Dana has worked extensively as an accompanist, performer, and piano teacher. She is equally skilled in working with children and adults, nurturing talent at every level with patience, excellence, and passion. A laureate of several international piano competitions, Dana has graced stages in London, Paris, Riyadh, and beyond. Her performances are known for their emotional depth, technical brilliance, and cultural sensitivity. Now based in Saudi Arabia, Dana continues to inspire the next generation of musicians while contributing to the country’s rapidly growing classical music scene.
Mrs. Yasmin El Shennawy
Jury Member
Mrs. Yasmin El Shennawy is an established piano and music teacher in Jeddah.
Her music journey started at the young age of 7, receiving instruction from teachers of different nationalities and backgrounds. She achieved her Grade 8 piano exam certificate (with a Merit) from Trinity College of Music, UK, in 2004. She also achieved her Cert PTC, UK (Piano Teacher’s Certificate) in September 2023.
During her 25+ years of teaching, Mrs. Yasmin taught over 700 students of different ages, as young as 4 and up to 70 years old, and of different nationalities from over 30 countries. Her experience with ABRSM and Trinity College examinations makes her a proud teacher of high-achieving students who excel in their piano exams, achieving high scores across all levels.