The jury, chaired by Albert Attenelle, comprised Ernesto Blanco, Pilar Bilbao, Ralf Nattkemper, Daniel Levy, Graham Scott, Michiko Tsuda and Maria Zisi, who praised the finalists for their musical maturity and command of concerto repertoire. The final performances included a standout rendition of Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 4 in G major Op. 58, which the jury cited as decisive in awarding the top prize. The awards ceremony recognised further distinctions—covering Romantic repertoire, chamber music, audience preference and contemporary composition—reflecting the competition’s wide artistic scope.
Jaén provided an evocative setting for the competition. Perched amid rolling olive groves and dominated by a hilltop cathedral and a Moorish‑era fortress, the city’s layered history and distinctive Renaissance and Baroque architecture offered a resonant cultural backdrop. Concert venues and public spaces throughout the city contributed to a festival atmosphere that blended musical intensity with local heritage, engaging residents and visitors alike.
