It is a competition for young pianists, of ages 17 to 32, organized in New York City, United States since 1926.
It is one of the oldest music competitions in the world; initially the winners received debut recitals in New York rather than any cash prize.
[1] The competition has helped to launch the career of pianists including Jorge Bolet, William Kapell, Abbey Simon, Theodore Lettvin, Constance Keene, Adele Marcus, Kun-Woo Paik, Andre-Michel Schub and Stephen Hough.
"[2] The piano competition is dedicated to the ideals set out by Walter Naumburg, as are the other Foundation-sponsored competitions and awards in solo and chamber music performance, composer recordings, conducting and commissions.
Naumburg believed that such competitions were not only for the benefit of new stars, but would encourage talented young artists to become prime movers in the development of the highest standards of musical excellence throughout the world.