Dear friends

Welcome to the website of the Piano Bridges International Competition for Amateur Pianists named after Natalia Dobrovolskaya!


Piano playing, like any other form of art, is a source of man's self-realization, spiritual development, and forming of taste. Piano music has always had many admirers around the world, and amateur piano playing exists on equal terms with other forms of musical art. And all of us who play the piano just for the love of music keep this remarkable tradition – even staying outside the professional music system.

The Piano Bridges Competition was founded in July 2011 in keeping with the best traditions of amateur piano playing in Europe and around the world. Over the ten years of its existence, it has welcomed participants from 43 countries. The competition's main goals are drawing attention to amateur piano playing, maintaining interest in performing among piano amateurs in Russia and abroad, and promoting their further creative development.

The Piano Bridges International Competition named after Natalia Dobrovolskaya is one of the few in the world that provides its contestants with a unique opportunity to perform not only a solo repertoire but also in a piano ensemble – one piano (4, 6 etc. hands) or two pianos. Starting from 2021, the ensemble discipline will be included in the programme of the Competition's online edition.

Another significant feature is the monthly concerts where all contestants can take part regardless of the result they got. Amateur pianists have an opportunity to perform at different venues in St. Petersburg and other cities and towns (Pavlovsk, Veliky Novgorod, Vyborg, Vyritsa, Kronstadt, Gatchina, Moscow).

As part of the offline Competition editions, the jury members give free masterclasses to the participants. Also, every contestant receives feedback from the jury members at a specially organized meeting. Participants of the online editions receive their feedback on each piece and the whole programme by email.

Performing on stage is an outstanding and important event for every musician. Given the current world situation, online performing acquires a special meaning. It is our sincere hope that taking part in the Piano Bridges Competition will be a great opportunity for you to gain experience, become well-known to our audience and get inspiration for your future work.



The 11th Piano Bridges Competition for Amateur Pianists named after Natalia Dobrovolskaya will be held in an online format from 24 October until 14 November 2021.


Good luck!

Greeting from
Nikolai Lugansky

I congratulate the Piano Bridges International Competition for Amateur Pianists on its 10th anniversary! It is wonderful that Russia has such a project – a competition which represents a community of like-minded people rather than a contest. For pianists that did not choose a professional music career, it can be instrumental in the unlocking of their creativity, obtaining stage experience and meeting with the audience.

The 10-year history of the competition with its many traditions shows the importance and value of the project.

I am wishing the Piano Bridges a long life and the contestants –bright discoveries, memorable events, inspiration and creative enthusiasm!


Nikolai Lugansky