Paloma OShea International Piano Competition

The Paloma O'Shea Santander International Piano Competition is held annually in Santander, Spain. Founded in 1972 by Paloma O'Shea as a national competition, it became international in its second edition and was professionalized in the mid-1970s. It gained recognition by joining the World Federation of International Music Competitions in 1976. Organized by the Albéniz Foundation and chaired by Infanta Margarita, the competition is supported by public and private entities. Winners receive cash prizes and a world tour, including performances at venues like the National Auditorium of Music and Wigmore Hall.

The competition selects 20 pianists through a rigorous process, including video pre-auditions in Spain, Paris, New York, and Moscow, followed by live rounds: preliminary, recital, chamber music, and a final concerto with an orchestra. Participants in later stages perform alongside guest artists and ensembles such as the London Symphony Orchestra, Dresden Philharmonic, Spanish National Orchestra, and others.

The jury has included renowned pianists and musicians like Alicia de Larrocha, Gary Graffman, Philippe Entremont, and Joaquín Achúcarro. Past conductors have featured Miguel Ángel Gómez Martínez and Jesús López Cobos. The competition also awards special prizes and grant-prizes, though specific details are not provided.

The event is organized by the Albéniz Foundation, which also supports initiatives like the Escuela Superior de Música Reina Sofía.