History of the Competition
The Ricard Viñes International Piano Competition, created to promote pianistic talent and honor the legacy of the great musician from Lleida, has evolved over the years to become a global reference.
HISTORY OF THE COMPETITION
A Journey from 1995 to the Present Day
The Ricard Viñes International Piano Competition was founded in 1995 with the inauguration of the Enric Granados Auditorium, marking the beginning of a new cultural era in Lleida. Initiated by Puri Terrado, professor and head of studies at the Municipal Conservatory, and Carles Marquès, the competition aimed to promote young pianists’ talent by providing them with a platform to showcase their abilities.
Since its inception, the competition has grown into a prestigious international event. With the appointment of Jordi Benseny as artistic director in 2009, the competition entered a phase of expansion, welcoming participants from all over the world and solidifying its reputation thanks to its high-caliber jury and collaboration with the Vallès Symphony Orchestra.
The competition has also innovated with the creation of the Ricard Viñes Piano Kids and Youth Competition in 2017, dedicated to young talents under the age of 17. All this is complemented by the excellent facilities of the Auditorium-Conservatory, offering an optimal environment for participants.
Some of the most notable jury members have included Pietro de Maria, Elisso Virsaladze, Peter Donohoe, Akiko Ebi, and Pierre Réach, all of them renowned pianists and educators with extensive experience in international competitions. Since Jordi Benseny became the director, four figures have been regulars in the competition year after year: Stanislav Pochekin, Vladislav Bronevetzky, Purificació Terrado, and Jordi Benseny himself.
The competition is a tribute to the great pianist Ricard Viñes, and on the occasion of his anniversary in 2025, we continue our mission to preserve and promote his artistic legacy.