Sofía Bustamante, Alenka González, and León Quintero—winners of the 2025 UIS National Piano Competition in the professional, youth, and children’s categories, respectively—shone during the Festival’s first night of gala concerts.
Under the title “Young Piano Masters,” the three performers took the stage before an audience that gathered at the Luis A. Calvo Auditorium to enjoy a gala showcasing the talent of the new generations of Colombian pianists.
The concert began with a performance by León Quintero, a 14-year-old pianist from Bogotá, who returned to Bucaramanga after a year of furthering his training under the renowned maestro Simon Vlasov. “I’m very happy to have played on this incredible stage and to share my art with everyone. This is a very well-organized festival, featuring pianists of the highest caliber, and I am very grateful to the UIS for all the support they’ve given me along the way,” he said.
Next, the stage welcomed Alenka González from Bucaramanga, who, at 18, continues to build her artistic career. The young pianist highlighted the preparation process she has been undergoing recently.
“After winning the first competition here at the UIS last year, I kept up the momentum to study, gradually developing more complex interpretations of the pieces while working on technique and expression. I feel that all these opportunities we’re given as artists teach us and encourage us to continue practicing our art, and this is something that brings me deep joy,” she said.
Sofía Bustamante closed the gala; her performance included the piece Malvaloca by maestro Luis A. Calvo, as a tribute to one of Colombia’s most iconic composers.
“I have to say that the theater and the university were a great source of inspiration for me. I felt very inspired, which is why I decided to open the gala with a tribute to this important maestro. Without a doubt, this year has been one of significant growth, of continuing to trust in the process, and of giving it my all every day,” said the young woman from Antioquia, winner of the UIS 2025 National Piano Competition in the professional category.
This is just the beginning!
Through August 22, the 43rd International Piano Festival will continue to bring music to various venues in Bucaramanga and the surrounding region, with a program that brings together renowned performers and emerging talents united by a shared tradition and passion for the piano.
