Ten pianists perform a 60-minute solo recital and a 65 to 70-minute collaborative recital. 

Pianists may perform any repertory for the solo recital and are advised to consider this performance, and to design its program, on the same principles as a professional concert. While no repertory is required, pianists are asked to include a pivotal work from the piano literature and encouraged to perform contemporary music. The Jury will look for intelligent and imaginative programming. Pianists are encouraged to perform an encore after their solo recital. 

The collaborative recital includes a violin sonata, a cello sonata and ten minutes of art song. Pianists choose their concert programs from a list of set of programs. Each pianist performs with the same violinist, cellist and singer.

Semifinalists will be announced 17 July 2012.