The beautiful village of Valldemossa, at the foot of the Serra de Tramuntana, exudes art and charm from every nook and cranny, and stands as gatekeeper to the imposing Royal Carthusian monastery complex.

‘It is a huge Carthusian monastery, between the rocky cliffs and the sea, where you may imagine me, without gloves or hair-curling, as pale as ever, in a cell with such doors as Paris never had for gates." - Frédéric Chopin’s description of his residence between January and February of 1839. There are still precious reminders of his stay at the monastery with the French writer George Sand, including the authentic Pleyel piano on which Chopin composed his music during that famous winter in Mallorca.

Much more than a mere exhibition piece, the Pleyel piano takes centre stage in the Pianino International Festival of Classical Music, whose ample programme of events begins in April of each year and lasts until July. And of course the setting for this prestigious competition is none other than cell number 4 of the Royal Carthusian monastery of Valldemossa, home and witness to Chopin’s sonorous melodies during his stay in Mallorca.

The festival offers you a unique opportunity to relive the composer’s days on the island and, at the same time, enjoy a series of classical music concerts given by world-class pianists, violinists, cellists and singers. Chopin, Mozart, Schumann and Fontana are just some of the artists whose compositions are brought back to life by the famous Pleyel piano.

Make sure to book your ticket or season ticket and find full information on the Pianino International Festival of Classical Music website www.pianino.es. Don’t miss it!.