Symphony Foundation to bid farewell to legendary piano competition

Santo Domingo.- The Symphony Foundation and the National Symphony Orchestra announced an extraordinary concert to mark the end of an era in classical music. The “Gala of Winners” will bring together the top three laureates of the final Paloma O’Shea Santander International Piano Competition, celebrating the legacy of one of the world’s most prestigious musical events.

The concert will feature Jaeden Izik-Dzurko (Canada), Xiaolu Zang (China), and Marcel Tadokoro (Japan/France), who will perform alongside the National Symphony Orchestra under the direction of maestros José Antonio Molina and Santy Rodriguez. The program will showcase their virtuosic talent with Saint-Saëns’ Piano Concerto no. 2, Tchaikovsky’s Piano Concerto no. 1, and Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto no. 3.

Celebrating a rich musical history

Founded in 1972, the Paloma O’Shea Santander competition was held every four years, becoming a global benchmark for artistic excellence and a launchpad for young pianists. The gala, which has been hosted by the Symphony Foundation since 1999, has offered the Dominican public a chance to witness this world-class talent. The 2025 event serves as a tribute to the competition’s legacy and the long-standing friendship between the founders of both organizations, Margarita Copello de Rodríguez and Paloma O’Shea.

A new chapter for young musicians

While the concert marks a farewell, it also signals a new beginning. The Symphony Foundation recently finalized a partnership with the Reina Sofía School of Music in Madrid, an institution also created by Paloma O’Shea. This collaboration will ensure that the spirit of artistic excellence continues through a new educational agreement. The partnership will provide young Dominican musicians with opportunities for academic exchange, advanced training programs, and the chance to participate in new artistic projects with Spain.

The gala is made possible through the support of a range of sponsors, including Banco Popular Dominicano, Banco López de Haro, and Banco BDI as Gold sponsors. Tickets are available at Uepa Tickets, the Symphony Foundation, and the box office at the Eduardo Brito National Theater.