Missouri Southern International Piano Competition
Started in 1987 by Vivian León --wife to university president Julio León-- this competition offered 20 years of musical prowess by pianists between the ages of 9 and 30 from around the world. Competitors chosen received the chance to visit the Missouri Southern campus, network with other musicians, and compete for cash prizes as well as a chance to play at New York's Carnegie Hall. This festival and competition provided competitors with opportunities to showcase their hard work while also highlighting the university's dedication to broadening international horizons both in the state and outside of it.
The Missouri Southern International Piano Competition (MSIPC) was unique compared to others of its kind. Two things set it apart; first, judges were not permitted to speak to each other about competitors until after the competition finished. Secondly, Vivian León ensured every competitor had a host family ready to support them every step of the way. Where other competitions required competitors to cover room and board, the inclusion of host families allowed them a comfortable space to practice and rest where their only expenses were souvenirs. Judges Natalya Antonova and Nigel Coxe praised the MSIPC for its fairness and support in these regards, claiming these choices made the competition a model event.
The Missouri Southern International Piano Competition ended in 2008 with the retirement of Vivian León leading to a dazzling final performance on March 5, 2009 by 2002 Junior Division winner and 2008 Grand Prize winner Avan Yu.
Exhibit curated by Bailey Grant, with the assistance of Whitney Hamm, 2025-07.
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