Lleida - Ricard Viñes International Piano Competition
Founded in 1995 in Lleida, the Ricard Viñes International Piano Competition is one of Spain’s most prestigious piano competitions. Created in homage to the great Catalan pianist Ricard Viñes (1875–1943) in his hometown, Lleida, whose artistry and close friendship with composers such as Ravel, Debussy, and Falla helped shape the course of early 20th-century music, the Competition has become a benchmark for discovering and promoting new piano talents from around the world.
Under the artistic direction of Néstor Bayona, the Competition entered a new phase in 2025, combining heritage and innovation. In 2026, the Ricard Viñes International Piano Festival will take place in Lleida, creating a biennial structure that alternates between a festival year and a competition year.
The Festival will feature internationally renowned soloists, past prize winners of the Competition, innovative and interdisciplinary programmes, and a strong commitment to chamber and ensemble music — extending the legacy of Ricard Viñes beyond the piano and into the wider musical and artistic landscape.
The next Competition will take place in 2027 and will be structured in three rounds. The First Round consists of a 20-minute programme. The Semifinal Round focuses on works closely linked to Ricard Viñes — a 50-minute programme featuring pieces he premiered or championed during his lifetime. The Final Round, held with orchestra, will give the finalists the opportunity to perform a concerto of their choice with a professional orchestra at one of Lleida’s major concert halls, the Auditori Enric Granados.
Offering substantial prizes, international concert engagements, and artistic collaborations with institutions such as the Festival de Música de Morelia (Mexico) and the Montenegro International Piano Festival, the Ricard Viñes International Piano Competition reaffirms its mission to support emerging pianists and to project Lleida as a centre of artistic excellence and cultural exchange.
Contact
Nestor Bayona
Pl. de Josep Prenafeta
25004 Lleida
Spain