The elimination rounds of the 71th Maria Canals International Piano Competition of Barcelona will take place from March 15 to 22, 2026, at the Petit Palau of the Palau de la Música Catalana.

The best young pianists from around the world will compete for a place in the Final Round and the opportunity to perform in the Concert Hall of the Palau de la Música Catalana, alongside the National Youth Orchestra of Catalonia conducted by Manel Valdivieso.

Only the 6 best contestants will advance to the Semifinal Round (March 22), where they will have to perform a 50-minute free repertoire that must include at least one piece by a Spanish composer.

Furthermore, contestants accepted into the 71st Maria Canals Competition are required, according to the rules and throughout all rounds, to include one work by a woman composer and two Spanish works, at least one of which must be by a Catalan composer (male or female).