
International Piano Festival
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Since 1996, the SIPO master classes and festival are a landmark in the international music landscape. We welcome artists of exceptional reputation in the world of music.
Since 2011, the “Antena 2” Prize has been awarded by the Portuguese classical music radio station Antena 2. As of 2019, the prize has become a joint award by Antena 2 and the organiser of SIPO, the Association of International Music Courses (ACIM), and has been renamed the “Antena 2 / ACIM Prize”.
It consists of one live recital performed within the Antena 2 “Open concerts“ series in Lisbon, recorded and transmitted by the radio station, two further recitals in different locations and a monetary prize worth 2000 €.
The prize is awarded by the public and the faculty of SIPO to the students whose artistic performance in the final concert of the master classes is considered to be outstanding. The winners of the Antena 2 Prize in 2024 are Thomas Filipiuk (USA) and Arturo Abellan (Spain).
The master classes are unique as they offer you the possibility of working with one or more teachers who are present throughout the whole event. Moreover you can attend all classes, thus benefitting from a wide range of pedagogic and musical moments of rare quality enjoying a highly diversified festival program. Furthermore, the final audition of the participants is recorded and transmitted by the Portuguese classical radio and you can also win the Antena 2 / ACIM prize. The charm and hospitality of the medieval town of Óbidos also contribute to the success of this extraordinary cultural event.

-Manuela Gouveia, Artistic Director
Since 2011, the “Antena 2” Prize has been awarded by the Portuguese classical music radio station Antena 2. As of 2019, the prize has become a joint award by Antena 2 and the organiser of SIPO, the Association of International Music Courses (ACIM), and has been renamed the “Antena 2 / ACIM Prize”.
It consists of one live recital performed within the Antena 2 “Open concerts“ series in Lisbon, recorded and transmitted by the radio station, two further recitals in different locations and a monetary prize worth 2000 €.
The prize is awarded by the public and the faculty of SIPO to the students whose artistic performance in the final concert of the master classes is considered to be outstanding. The winners of the Antena 2 Prize in 2025 are Johnson Li (Hong-Kong) and Lixin Zhang (New Zealand).
“The experience of attending SIPO's masterclasses gave me the unique opportunity to learn from masters who, beyond their musical wisdom, are truly inspiring on a human level, and to hear some of the most magnificent recitals I have ever attended.”
"It was with great pride, as a Portuguese, that I took part in SIPO several times. Beyond how much I grew and learned during those weeks, the opportunity to work with exceptional teachers and connect with pianists from all over the world in the iconic town of Óbidos left me with unforgettable memories."
"It was an opportunity to engage with excellent teachers and musicians from around the world without having to leave my country. A gathering of various artists in Óbidos, often in an informal setting, where there is so much to learn — both as a performer and as a listener. Without a doubt, a truly enriching experience."
"The Óbidos International Piano Week has expanded worldwide thanks to the excellent work it does for all who take part in it. Here, knowledge is passed on from generations that are not only long-established but truly reputable. I therefore dedicate part of my recital to the organisation and teachers who have contributed so much to my development as a complete artist."
"The Óbidos International Piano Week has expanded worldwide thanks to the excellent work it does for all who take part in it. Here, knowledge is passed on from generations that are not only long-established but truly reputable. I therefore dedicate part of my recital to the organisation and teachers who have contributed so much to my development as a complete artist."
"I am very grateful for everything that the SIPO Festival made possible for me and many other musicians from around the world: highly prestigious teachers, concerts of the highest quality, and a welcoming and inspiring atmosphere set in the beautiful town of Óbidos. Thank you!"
"I have long been a regular attendee of the Óbidos International Piano Week (SIPO). I attend, first and foremost, out of passion — and also out of a sense of belonging: Óbidos is my second home, the place where I often am and always return to.
But above all, I go because I have, for many years, been a direct witness to the immense work and tireless dedication of Manuela Gouveia in bringing music, music masters, and music education to this beautiful municipality. That is how one educates — in the broadest sense of the word — and that is how one seriously contributes to the awakening of music. Of the will for music.
The model of this festival makes all of that possible: music classes given by great piano masters, who in the evening — in the full auditorium of the Casa da Música in the walled village of Óbidos — share their talent and creativity at the piano.
SIPO is one of the best and most rewarding breaks I know between sun or beach, sea or countryside. I wholeheartedly recommend it — these summer nights filled with music. Take my word for it!"











