Paloma O’Shea

Spain

• Founder of the Reina Sofía School of Music and the International Institute of Chamber Music in Madrid
• President of the Albéniz Foundation and the Santander International Piano Competition

Paloma O’Shea studied the piano at the Conservatory of Bilbao, her hometown, and completed her musical training privately in France.

In 1972 she founded the Piano Competition in Santander that is nowadays in the world top. She is the founder and president of the Reina Sofía School of Music and the Albéniz Foundation, created in 1991 and 1987 respectively. Besides, Paloma O’Shea has created an educational program 'The Encounter with Music and Academy' and founded the International Institute of Chamber Music in Madrid. All of these projects have achieved high recognition in Spain and abroad.  

The world famous patron of art and philanthropist, Paloma O’Shea successfully reconciles social activities with her family life. Today she is a happy mother of six and has 17 grandchildren.

She has received numerous awards and in 2008 His Majesty the King honoured her with the title of Marchioness of O’Shea.

Member of the board of trustees of the International Television Contest for Young Musicians 'Nutcracker'.