Borderland Chopin International Competition 2027
May 17-21, 2027 at University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) El Paso, Texas, USA
Application Opens October 1, 2026
About
Our Story
Dr. Oscar Macchioni created the Borderland Chopin International Competition and Festival in 2023 through the generous donation of his dear friends Bonnie Brooks and Lewis Peeples. Its mission is to promote the music of beloved Polish composer Frédéric Chopin and other composers from underrepresented groups in the Borderland region (West Texas, Southern New Mexico, and Chihuahua, Mexico). In addition to bringing artists of international caliber to the University of Texas at El Paso, we wish to engage the community through concerts, masterclasses, and outreach events. The competition is a proud member of the Alink-Argerich Foundation.
“Borderland” refers to three border cities, spanning two countries and three states: El Paso in Texas, and Las Cruces in New Mexico, USA, and Ciudad Juárez in Chihuahua, México. This is a rich cultural area known for its artisans and culinary wonders, its mountains, and the beauty of the Chihuahuan Desert.
Our host, The University of Texas at El Paso, boasts a beautiful, unique campus in Bhutanese architecture.
Eligibility
The Competition is open to pianists of all nationalities between the ages of 18 and 35. Eligibility age is determined by the application deadline of February 20, 2027. It is understood that members of the International Jury may be acquainted with some participants in the Competition because of past associations (for example, previous competitions, music festivals, master classes, or enrollment at academic institutions). Current students of jury members can participate in the Competition but must disclose that information in the application or will be disqualified. Jury members whose student/s are competing must disclose the affiliation with the student in their contract and will be excused from voting.
(Failure to disclose will result in expulsion from the Competition.)
Competition Prizes
Launching careers through world-class recognition and opportunity
SECOND PRIZE
$15,000
~$20,000 total value
Subject to US tax rules
Hotel accommodation during competition
Airfare reimbursement up to $1,000
Solo recital at UTEP Borderland Chopin Festival 2028
Community outreach performance
FIRST PRIZE
$20,000
~$26,000 total value
Subject to US tax rules
Hotel accommodation during competition
Airfare reimbursement up to $1,000
Performance with El Paso Symphony Orchestra 2028-2029 season
Community outreach performance
THIRD PRIZE
$10,000
~$15,000 total value
Subject to US tax rules
Hotel accommodation during competition
Airfare reimbursement up to $1,000
Solo recital at UTEP Borderland Chopin Festival 2029
Community outreach performance
All quarterfinalists who are not prize winners will receive a $1,000 Honorary Prize plus hotel accommodations.
Competition Schedule
Key dates and milestones for the 2027 competition. Application opens October 1, 2026.
In Partnership With
General Casimir Pulaski Polish American Society of El Paso