Research and Course Guides: MSSU Archives & Special Collections Exhibits: Notable News Releases

Carthage Press 8/11/1992

Carthage Press piece over Elisabeth Smirnova’s Carnegie debut. It features information about her training, a tour taking place that following summer, and a quote from Vivian León on Smirnova’s distinctive win and the trip to New York.

Paper Unstated 2/11/1994 Story 1

Think piece on traveling to and participating in the competition written by Zhanar Suleimanova’s (1992 Junior division competitor) mentor Zh. Aubakirova. Translated from Russian by William R. Carter II.

Paper Unstated 2/11/1998 Story 2

Another piece regarding Zhanar Suleimanova’s competing in the 1992 MSIPC translated again by William R. Carter II. This piece speaks on their time with their host family, the Stinnett’s, and the differences between Kazakhstan and America.

Paper Stated 2/11/1994 Story 3 and Story 4

This piece contains Vivian León’s biography including where she studied, what degrees she holds, and the work she’s put into the competition since her joining on in 1989. The second part to this clipping speaks on general information regarding the Honors Auditions.

The Chart 4/14/1994

On campus publication detailing the fifth MSIPC and all of its parts. Contains interviews with Vivian León and spotlights on judges and events. This publication also features a spotlight on the metal globe created as an icon for the competition.

The Chart 4/14/1994

Rural Missouri 2002

A publication by Rural Missouri magazine talking about how the competition has grown, how it compares to other competitions, and singing the praises of area host families. It has multiple quotes from Vivian León and competitors.

Southern News Service 1/8/2002

A Southern News release talking about the influx of application packets despite the challenges and worries that arose after the September 11, 2001 attack on the World Trade Center. Also shares some general information regarding the competition and its nonprofit status.

Vivian Leon is quoted, saying, “We are extremely pleased. We had worried after the September 11 tragedy that many of the musicians might not be able or willing to make the long journey by air to Joplin. This has not been the case. The applications say a great deal about the applicants’ personal tenacity as well as the high esteem they have for our competition.”

Joplin Globe 4/3/2005

A Joplin Globe publication by visual artist and host family participant Jane Kleindl speaking on how the MSIPC impacts the community and on how 2004 Grand Prize winner Jie Chen’s win has secured the pianist recognition and acclaim.

Kleindl says, “At a time when school districts find it increasingly difficult to fund an arts curriculum, community arts programs, in collaboration with local patrons, are providing a venue for arts education... It is nearly impossible to look around and not find something that has been influenced by the arts. Try to imagine your world without that influence.”

Joplin Globe 2/26/2006

This Joplin Globe publication written by Empire District Electric Co. President and CEO William L. Gipson speaks on how the MSIPC affects local business and encourages local businesses to join in on supporting the university and the competition.

Joplin Globe 4/23/2006

Joplin Globe publication by Joplin Area Chamber of Congress president Rob O’Brian who speaks on the importance of host families and how the competition experience differs from others by offering room and board through host families rather than placing competitors in hotels.

O’Brian states, “As a family, the greatest benefit has come from knowing these competitors and their parents. We have learned that when you open your home, you also open your hearts and when our guests leave... they go knowing Joplin is not just another city, but a place that is home, if only for a week.”

Joplin Globe 7/2/2006

Written by Natalya Antonova, a Russian pianist teaching at the Eastman School of Music and judge for the 2004 and 2006 MSIPCs, speaks on the honor it is to judge such a prestigious competition. She says, “Congratulations to all of you and many thanks for making such a tremendous impact on your community and the lives of young musicians from all over the world.”

Joplin Globe 12/17/2006

A Joplin Globe publication by pianist and professor Nigel Coxe who’s served as a judge during the competition. The piece speaks on the competition as a whole and it’s impact on the world of music. He also heralds 2006 Grand Prize winner Tatiana Tessman’s playing in her Carnegie Hall debut in which he was in the audience to experience.

Coxe says, “Above all, the competition has a reputation for utter and scrupulous fairness, and it was clear that this was due to two features that are uncommon in such contests.” These two features are that judges cannot speak on performers or performances while the competition is in session and the diligence in keeping track of time for performances. “In short, this competition is a model of what such an event should be,” he boasts.

Joplin Globe 7/16/2007

Joplin Globe publication congratulating the MSIPC on receiving the Missouri Arts Award and what it means for the university and the community.

“This [award] truly represents an honor to the imagination that gave birth to this highly acclaimed competition, to the dedication and determination of htose who saw their dream become a reality and to all of those individuals and organizations who, in one way or another, have given their steadfast support to what has become an internationally recognized event.”