an important annual event is the internationally renowned concurso internacional de piano hosted in rio de janeiro and it is considered as brazil's biggest and most extravagant piano competition - the concurso internacional de piano brings together a collection of the worlds greatest piano players for a two week musical extravaganza.

the competition is sponsored by the brazilian social and economic development bank (brazilian development bank - bndes), who believe that 'access to classical music, with its colors, complexity and historic background, is the approach to one of the noblest forms of enlightenment'.

the event is held generally over november and december, and is a must see for any piano enthusiasts visiting the city.