Parillo Piano Competition

Posted by Proctors Web Team

Louise DeFeo Parillo Piano Competition 2026

The Board of the Schenectady Saratoga Symphony Orchestra Association is pleased to announce that the 2026 Louise DeFeo Parillo Piano Competition will be held at SUNY Schenectady School of Music 10 a.m.-noon on Saturday, May 16.

Competition Details:

  • Total Performance Time: 15 minutes or less
  • 1 Advanced Chopin Piano Solo
    • e.g. Ballade, Etude, Scherzo, Sonata, or similar
  • Plus 1 Elective by Any Composer

1st prize $500
2nd prize $200

Open to the most dedicated middle school and high school pianists in the Capital District by nomination of their piano teachers.

The application deadline is April 15, 2026

COMPLETE APPLICATION

More on the competition:

This competition was created in 1995 for young pianists in the Capital District to honor the memory of Louise DeFeo Parillo. Mrs. Parillo was a locally prominent pianist who had her own radio show on WGY in the 1930s and ‘40s and was very active in area music groups. Reflecting the spirit of Louise DeFeo Parillo, the aim of the Parillo competition is to encourage a life-long enjoyment of music in young pianists, either as accomplished professionals or as dedicated amateurs.

The winners of the 2025 competition were William Xu of Clifton Park (1st prize) and Brian Sun of Niskayuna (2nd prize). William attends Shenedehowa High School and Brian attends Niskayuna High School. They both study with pianist Young Kim.

The Parillo competition is open to Capital District piano students aged 12 years or older, by nomination of their piano instructors. Winners are recognized at Proctors Theatre with cash awards. Especially promising students will be considered for further performance opportunities.

Past winners Ryan Reilly, Christopher Reynolds, Rachel Sohn and Kyra Lombard have been invited to perform with the Orchestra at historic Proctors, to the great delight of our audiences. More recently, William Lauricella performed the Rachmaninov Piano Concerto #2 in C Minor during our 2023-2024 season. William is currently a sophomore at the Juilliard School.

Contact:
The Louise DeFeo Parillo Piano Competition
Schenectady-Saratoga Symphony Orchestra
Proctor’s Arcade, 432 State St.
Schenectady, NY  12305
Chair, Masako Yamada: myamada@alum.wellesley.edu

List of Previous Parillo Piano Competition Winners