The 28th Santa Cecília International Piano Competition took place in Porto, Portugal, from June 19 to 27, with the Shigeru Kawai SK-EX selected as the official piano for the competition.
Kawai has provided instruments for official selection in the Santa Cecília International Piano Competition.
One of Kawai's most esteemed piano technicians, MPA (Master Piano Artisan) Shinya Kurata, served as the official piano technician at the 28th Santa Cecília International Piano Competition. Throughout the competition, Shinya Kurata carefully prepared and refined the Shigeru Kawai SK-EX to meet the artistic demands of each stage, ensuring that the instrument performed at its highest potential in the renowned acoustics of Casa da Música. Naoto Ichikawa also supported the event as Artist Services, assisting competitors throughout the competition.
Shinya Kurata(MPA)
Santa Cecília International Piano Competition 2026: Final Results
1st Prize | Roman LOPATYNSKYI | Ukraine |
2nd Prize | Jacky Xiaoyu ZHANG | United Kingdom |
3rd Prize | Zhu WANG | China |
Special Awards
Audience Prize | Roman LOPATYNSKYI | Ukraine |
Artist Management Prize | Roman LOPATYNSKYI | Ukraine |
CD Recording Prize | Roman LOPATYNSKYI | Ukraine |
About the Santa Cecília International Piano Competition
The Santa Cecília International Piano Competition (Concurso Internacional de Piano de Santa Cecília) is one of Portugal's most prestigious annual piano competitions. Held in Porto for more than 50 years, the competition has established itself as an important platform for young pianists seeking international careers. It is recognized as a member of both the World Federation of International Music Competitions (WFIMC) and the Alink-Argerich Foundation.
Hosted by Curso de Música Silva Monteiro, the competition concludes at the internationally acclaimed Casa da Música concert hall. The main competition consists of four rounds, requiring competitors to demonstrate exceptional versatility through performances of Baroque, Classical, 20th-century, and contemporary repertoire, as well as chamber music in the semifinal and a concerto performance in the final.
For the 2026 edition, more than 188 pianists from over 35 countries applied. Following a pre-selection process, 36 competitors ultimately took part in the competition. The Shigeru Kawai SK-EX concert grand piano, supplied by Kawai Europe, served as the official instrument throughout the event.