Barcelona,
the world capital of the piano
60 young talents from 29 countries
Palau de la Música Catalana
15.03 — 26.03.2026
Don’t miss it!
We already have the winner of the 71st edition!
Zhu Wang, 28 years
The Chinese pianist Zhu Wang has won the 71st Maria Canals International Piano Competition of Barcelona, receiving the Fundació Occident Prize.
Junho Cha, from South Korea, was awarded second place and received the Maria Font de Carulla Prize, offered by Carulla Foundation while Zhiqiao Zhang, from China, was granted the Vila Casas Foundation Prize.
Junho Cha also received the Palau de la Música Prize.
Zhu Wang was chosen as the Audience Award winner, in addition to receiving the Student Jury Prize.
May 2026
May
22
22
May
2026
On Thursday, May 22, Barcelona will be filled with music with the initiative Barcelona fills with pianos, which brings 10 grand pianos to different locations across the city. An initiative […]
240 candidates from 44 countries
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60 selected contestants from 29 countries
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The best international talent in Barcelona
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Discover them at the Palau
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Only one will win
Why is the Maria Canals International Piano Competition one of the world's most prestigious competitions?
€80,000 in prizes
More than 20 paid concerts
Founded in 1954 by Maria Canals and Rossend Llates
The Maria Canals International Piano Competition Association in Barcelona is a non-profit organization
Member of the prestigious World Federation since 1958
Member of the Alink-Argerich Foundation since its founding
More than 12,000 young pianists from around the world
Held at the Palau de la Música Catalana
100 families lend their home pianos
The competition turns Barcelona into the world piano capital every year
"As a musician and as a neurodivergent person, music is the best inclusive medium!"
"The 70 years of the Maria Canals competition are a small miracle that would not have been possible without the collaboration and enthusiasm of many individuals, organizations, companies, and public institutions."
"Being part of this family in this new stage is a true honor, as this competition and the city of Barcelona have always held a very special place in my career. It is a pleasure to contribute to the development of new talent and to strengthen the Maria Canals Competition as an international benchmark."
"Being a facilitator at Maria Canals is an enriching and transformative experience, which has allowed me to meet wonderful people of different ages and conditions."
"The Maria Canals Competition is more than just a competition because of the human connection it creates."
"Maria Canals has given me the opportunity to meet people from all over the world and build connections, with pianists and jurors, as well as professionals and colleagues, enriching me both personally and professionally."
"The great prize of the Maria Canals is to help young talents fulfill their dream"
“After winning the competition, many doors opened for me, allowing me to take a leap forward in my professional career. Without a doubt, the prize marked a turning point in my life.”
"Hosting contestants and acting as facilitator and volunteer, an honor and a pleasure!"
"Maria Canals was a visionary woman who knew how to surround herself with many people who helped make the competition possible."
"The MCB allows great experiences for young pianists to show their talent with the activities it organizes."
"The Maria Canals volunteers, through their music, help humanize hospitals and make the stay of children and their families more pleasant."
"We have contributed not just a grain of sand, but a whole dune of love for music."
"It is just as important to help people who lack basic necessities as it is to support those who stand out for their talent and effort."
With the main sponsorship of:
With the sponsorship of:
