The Competition in 2026!

In 2026, the Santa Cecília International Piano Festival enters a new stage in its history, reflecting a broader, integrated and cross-disciplinary programme. The competition remains the Festival’s central axis, taking place entirely at Casa da Música, while the programme extends across the city of Porto through concerts and masterclasses held throughout the year.

As in the previous two editions, the competition is held in two distinct phases. The Main Category, open to pianists up to 32 years of age, takes place from 19 to 27 June 2026. This category will feature a semifinal in which pianists perform with a string quartet, followed by a grand final concert with the Porto Casa da Música Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Martin André. Applications are open until 5 April.

The Junior Categories, for young pianists up to 18 years of age, will be held from 14 to 18 July 2026, with applications open until 24 May.

With more than fifty years of history and growing international recognition since 2012, the Festival has brought together young pianists from dozens of countries, establishing itself as a space for artistic excellence, training and cultural exchange. The 2026 edition also includes the 4th AAF Conference – Alink–Argerich Foundation, to be held at Casa da Música on 25 and 26 June, bringing together international performers, teachers, researchers and cultural professionals, further strengthening the Festival’s formative and reflective dimension.

The Santa Cecília International Piano Festival is supported by the Porto City Council, BPI | La Caixa Foundation, Manuel António da Mota Foundation and DGArtes, and is a member of the international networks of the World Federation of International Music Competitions and the Alink–Argerich Foundation.