The elimination rounds of the 72nd Maria Canals International Piano Competition of Barcelona will take place from March 7 to 14, 2026, at the Petit Palau hall 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, accompanied by the National Youth Orchestra of Catalonia under the baton of Manel Valdivieso.

Only the 6 best contestants will advance to the Semifinal Round (March 14), 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 72nd 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).