Linares has one of the best music conservatories in Andalusia. Great professionals of international popularity have learnt music there. Apart from the guitar –the instrument by which our country is recognised all over the world in the music context– the piano has great importance in Spain.
This piano contest, which is named after the prestigious pianist from Linares Marisa Montiel, was created in 1978 with the purpose of encouraging children and young people with a talent for music and specifically for the piano. This contest rewards the effort and tenacity of those who start practising this demanding discipline at an early age.