Carles and Sofia Piano Competition

THE MISSION

“A return to the essence of the music”

Founded under the umbrella of the Carles & Sofia Music Foundation, the Carles & Sofia International Piano Competition was created with a clear artistic purpose: to identify, support, and promote a new generation of pianists whose musicianship reflects authenticity, depth, and a true commitment to the expressive power of music.

In an international landscape often centred on technical display and short-term recognition, the competition seeks artists capable of building meaningful and lasting artistic careers, musicians who communicate with sincerity, imagination, and human depth, in the spirit of the great pianists who shaped the tradition of the instrument.

The competition offers a platform for artistic development through performances with orchestra, piano recitals in prestigious festivals, professional recording opportunities, and sustained artistic collaboration. Its mission is to accompany artists at decisive moments in their artistic evolution and to contribute to bringing the essence of music back to contemporary society.

Each edition is dedicated to the legacy of a legendary pianist who has profoundly influenced Carles & Sofia’s artistic journey. Previous editions have honoured Artur Rubinstein, Wilhelm Kempff, Alicia de Larrocha, Claudio Arrau, and Maria Tipo, whose artistic integrity continues to inspire generations of musicians.

The 2026 edition pays tribute to Emil Gilels, one of the most distinguished pianists of the twentieth century, admired for the nobility of his sound, the strength of his musical vision, and his unwavering artistic integrity, values that remain at the heart of the competition’s spirit today.