Canillo Hosts Eighth International Chamber Music Competition with Record 24 Junior Ensembles

Canillo hosts the eighth annual International Chamber Music Competition this weekend, with over 80 musicians competing in Piccolo, Base, and Advanced categories at the Palau de Gel auditorium.

Organized by the Associació Amics del Cambra Romànica, the event on April 18-19 features strong participation from Andorran groups in the junior Piccolo division, which has drawn a record 24 ensembles. Local initiatives including ACUCA in Canillo, the Conservatori, and La Llacuna cultural centre in Escaldes-Engordany and Andorra la Vella have boosted entries. International competitors from France, Spain, Germany, and Belgium round out the field, particularly in Advanced.

Clara Pladevall, president of the association, highlighted the competition's growth from its volunteer origins into an established international fixture. "We had no experience, but plenty of drive," she said. The event provides young musicians opportunities to hone chamber techniques, network, and perform, with organizers arranging accommodation to foster exchanges.

Saturday's schedule starts with Base category (ages 14-18) in the morning, followed by Advanced blocks, Piccolo in the afternoon—all 24 groups—and a final Advanced session. Sunday morning brings the awards ceremony, with live streaming throughout and free public admission. Attendees can vote for the audience prize; no reservations needed.

Prizes vary by category. Piccolo offers gifts to encourage participation, with no cash awards. Base gives €400 for first place and €200 for second, plus a new joint concert this autumn with winners from the Escola de Música Harmonia contest in Escaldes-Engordany. Advanced features top prizes of €3,000, €1,000, and €500, alongside autumn performances in the Cambra Romànica series.

The jury includes Carjez Gerretsen, Rosalía Gómez, and Jordi Albelda. Pladevall emphasized the event's role in promoting classical chamber music in Canillo: "It's vital for young people to have spaces to test themselves and connect."