Piano tuners' secrets: at the Palau de la Música in Barcelona, Spain

As the Franz Schubert Filharmonia celebrates its 20th anniversary, conductor Tomàs Grau tells the story of the ensemble, reflects on the importance of local music institutions, and gives a glimpse of the road ahead.

Ten works revealing the paradox of Chopin: a composer outwardly delicate, inwardly steely; rooted in Polish dance rhythms, yet formed in Parisian sophistication. 

Vanessa Latarche, professor of Piano at the Royal College of Music and chair of Hastings’ jury, talks about what makes the competition special, working with Sir Stephen Hough, and being a stickler for fairness.

The new work will include the bells being cast for the eighteen towers of the Sagrada Família in Barcelona, which is expected to be completed in 2026 after 144 years.

The Barcelona concert venue is an architectural marvel, and the only major concert venue in the world founded by a community choir. We lift the lid on how the Palau puts together such a huge, glittering season...

A 17-person international jury has selected Eric Lu as the first prize winner of the illustrious competition after 15 days of competition.