The city of Albacete once again becomes the epicenter of young musical talent with the celebration of the XLIV National Competition of Young Pianists ‘City of Albacete’, a reference event in the Spanish cultural scene, which kicks off strongly from March 24 to 28.
The presentation of the contest was led on Friday by the Councilor of Culture, Elena Serrallé; the Deputy of Culture, Miguel Zamora; the president of Juventudes Musicales de Albacete, Agustín Peiró; and the representative of Globalcaja, Antonio González, a regular sponsor of the contest; and the pianist David Canals Gómez.
Serrallé highlighted the key role played by Juventudes Musicales de Albacete, the organizing entity of the contest, in the development and maintenance of this initiative, which for over four decades has been a springboard for young pianists from all over Spain, being, in her words, «an entity of great prestige and recognition, which has tirelessly worked on the promotion of music and support for young talents».
As reported by the City Council in a press release, she also emphasized that «music, like all arts, is a fundamental pillar for the development of a critical, sensitive, and cohesive society,» insisting that «from the City Council of Albacete, we will continue to work to strengthen our cultural initiatives and support young people who choose music as their vocation, providing them with training spaces and opportunities.»
COMMITMENT
The provincial deputy of Culture, on his part, reaffirmed the commitment of the Provincial Council to the entity and this initiative, «one of the most important cultural events in the province,» and recalled that the institution has been actively collaborating with the association through an agreement worth 12,000 euros, which promotes the development of various activities, including this one, carried out throughout the year.
He also congratulated Juventudes Musicales de Albacete, highlighting the work behind a contest that has been around for over four decades, pointing out that «nothing without this level and quality endures all these years,» and made it clear that they «have the guaranteed support of the provincial government.»
Zamora, finally, encouraged the public to enjoy this contest and invited participants to make the most of the experience in an edition that will once again fill the Municipal Auditorium of Albacete with talent, as reported by the Provincial Council in a press release.
Agustín Peiró, on the other hand, was in charge of revealing the details of this contest, which will feature a prestigious jury chaired by himself, and accompanied by Albert Attenelle, Pilar Bilbao, Luis Fernández, David Canals, and Remedios Olivares.
OVER 20 PERFORMERS
The XLIV National Competition of Young Pianists ‘City of Albacete’, organized by Juventudes Musicales, will take place next week at the Municipal Auditorium, with the participation of 24 performers from all over Spain and abroad.
Specifically, they come from the Valencian Community, Basque Country, Andalusia, Madrid, Castilla y León, Extremadura, Galicia, or Catalonia, as well as from Belarus, Mexico, China, Australia, and Ukraine.
The contest, established as one of the most prestigious musical events in the country, offers young pianists a real platform for professional advancement through prizes in the form of scholarships, concerts, and recordings.
Additionally, it features a top-notch jury and a clear educational and cultural vocation, reaffirming Albacete’s commitment to promoting young talent and spreading classical music among the public.
It will take place in two phases (elimination and final) and will culminate with a closing gala and concert of the awardees. The event will kick off on Monday, March 24, with an inaugural concert by pianist David Canals Gómez, entitled ‘Fantasías e Impresiones’.
AWARDS
This edition includes new awards totaling nine distinctions. Thus, the First Prize, ‘City of Albacete’, comes with a scholarship of 3,000 euros, a concert tour, and the celebration of one in 2025 with the Municipal Symphonic Band of Albacete, while the Second Prize, ‘Globalcaja Albacete Foundation’, includes a scholarship of 1,500 euros.
The special award ‘Adora New Music’ consists of recording, editing, and distributing a CD with this record label; and the Special Award ‘Royal Academy of Fine Arts of San Fernando-Official College of Architects of Albacete’, includes a scholarship of 500 euros and the celebration of a concert at the Academy’s Auditorium in Madrid.
On the other hand, the Special Award ‘Julio García Casas-Juventudes Musicales de Sevilla’ also involves a scholarship of 500 euros and the celebration of a concert; the Special Awards ‘Agustín Peiró Hurtado’ for the best performer of Beethoven’s music; ‘Pilar Amo Vázquez’ for the best performer of Chopin’s music; ‘Iris Sánchez Piqueras’ for the best performer born or residing in CLM; and ‘Liceo Glinka’, for the best performer of a Russian author’s work, are endowed with 250 euros each.