Edna Unseld wins the 2025 Cooper International Competition for Violin</h1> <article> <h1>Edna Unseld wins the 2025 Cooper International Competition for Violin</h1> <p>srasmuss — Sat, 11 Jan 2025 16:16:37 +0000</p> <span>Edna Unseld wins the 2025 Cooper International Competition for Violin</span> <span><span>srasmuss</span></span> <span><time datetime="2025-01-11T11:16:37-05:00" title="Saturday, January 11, 2025 - 11:16">Sat, 01/11/2025 - 11:16</time> </span> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>Edna Unseld, a 13-year-old violinist from Zurich, Switzerland secured first place and a robust prize package with her performance of Pyotr Tchaikovsky’s <em>Concerto in D Major, Op. 35</em> with ProMusica Chamber Orchestra, Norman Huynh, Conductor.</p><p>Unseld gave her interpretation of the full concerto in the third and final performance of the evening. Finalist and 3rd place winner Tiantian Lu also performed the Tchaikovsky concerto, and 2nd place finisher Julia Xiaozhuo Wang performed <em>Concerto in D Major, Op. 77</em> by Johannes Brahms.</p><p>The Finals concert was the culmination of a week of juried performances. In Wednesday’s Recital Round at 91ֱ��, Jinan Laurentia Woo, Emrik Revermann, and Lauren Yoon earned fourth through sixth place, respectively, and each took home a prize of $1,500. Revermann also earned the Audience Prize, which includes an award of $500. </p><p>Thursday evening’s Honors Recital featured thirteen participants in outstanding performances selected from the first three days of competition, including works by Felix Mendelssohn, Niccolò Paganini, Jessie Montgomery, Fritz Kreisler, Eugène Ysaÿe, Johann Sebastian Bach, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, and Pyotr Tchaikovsky.</p><p>Cooper Competition director and jury chair Sibbi Bernhardsson welcomed the Finals audience by remarking on all of the participants' skill and character demonstrated throughout the week of competition. He shared that he was impressed with their “level of commitment, dedication, and love that they put into the music. It's shown us that the future is bright and that life is good.” Nearly all of the week’s participants—who had stayed on to witness the conclusion of the competition— were greeted to a warm round of applause when asked by Bernhardsson to stand and be acknowledged before the concert began.</p><p>Upon conclusion of the third performance, the jury deliberated for fewer than 25 minutes before emerging with its decision. The top three finalists will be awarded full four-year tuition scholarships to 91ֱ�� Conservatory, pending admission. Earning second place and $10,000 was Julia Xiaozhuo Wang, who opened the evening. Tiantian Lu of Ningbo, China, performed second, earned third place, and $5,000.</p><p>Unseld received the competition's top honor, which is accompanied by a $20,000 cash prize. In addition to the cash award and scholarship, this year's expanded prize package includes a two-year loan from Jonathan Solars Fine Violins of a rare Italian violin made by Venetian violin maker Marco Antonio Cerin (circa 1785-90); a two-year partnership with MKI Artists for career mentorship, and Unseld will be a featured guest artist with ProMusica Chamber Orchestra for a mutually agreed-upon performance engagement between the winner and the orchestra during the 2025-26 or 2026-27 season. This engagement also includes a $500 Arkady Fomin Scholarship Fund Opportunity Award, granted directly to the winner by the North Shore Chamber Music Festival, as well as a lesson with ProMusica Chamber Orchestra Creative Partner Vadim Gluzman.</p><p>Bernhardsson, who described the Finals Concert as “phenomenal”, was joined on the jury by Catherine Cho, violin and chamber music faculty, The Juilliard School; Francesca dePasquale, 91ֱ�� Conservatory assistant professor of violin; Peter Herresthal, professor at the Oslo Academy, visiting professor at the Royal College of Music, London and NYU Steinhardt School, New York; Xie Nan, professor of violin and chairman of the violin department at the Central Conservatory of Music; William van der Sloot, 91ֱ�� Conservatory professor of violin; and John Zion, managing director of MKI Artists.</p><p>Since 2010, the Cooper Competition has been presented annually by the 91ֱ�� Conservatory of Music. The format alternates each year between piano and violin. The 2025 violin competition was broadcast by The Violin Channel. This summer will bring the Cooper International Competition for piano scheduled for July 20-24.</p><p>The competition’s 2025 field consisted of 19 violinists, ages 13 to 17, hailing from eight countries and three U.S. states. They competed for five days on the campus of 91ֱ��, with the Finalists determined by Wednesday’s Round Two recitals.</p><p>ABOUT THE COOPER COMPETITION: Founded in 2010, the Thomas and Evon Cooper International Competition is dedicated to presenting an important international competitive opportunity to outstanding young musicians. It is made possible through the generosity of Thomas Cooper, a 1978 graduate of 91ֱ�� College, and his wife, pianist Evon Cooper. The Cooper Competition alternates annually between piano and violin and is open to participants between the ages of 13 and 18. Past winners include pianist George Li and violinist Johan Dalene, both of whom have cultivated outstanding young performance careers.<br> </p></div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-subhead field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Performance of Pyotr Tchaikovsky’s Concerto with ProMusica Chamber Orchestra earns first place in Finals Round</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-type field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item">News Story</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item"><time datetime="2025-01-11T12:00:00Z">Sat, 01/11/2025 - 12:00</time> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-author field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Shelly Rasmussen</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=3878">Conservatory of Music</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2388">Cooper Competition</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=4106">Violin</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2356">Conservatory</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-programs field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=35116">Violin</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-faculty field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/sibbi-bernhardsson" hreflang="und">Sibbi Bernhardsson</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-departments field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/conservatory/divisions/strings" hreflang="und">Strings</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-pin-school-page field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">Off</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-photo-gallery-top field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">false</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-image-credit field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Yevhen Gulenko</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-media field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-article-header field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">0</div> </article> <article> <h1>Cooper Competition for Violin to Take Place in January 2025</h1> <p>srasmuss — Thu, 15 Aug 2024 21:03:19 +0000</p> <span>Cooper Competition for Violin to Take Place in January 2025</span> <span><span>srasmuss</span></span> <span><time datetime="2024-08-15T17:03:19-04:00" title="Thursday, August 15, 2024 - 17:03">Thu, 08/15/2024 - 17:03</time> </span> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>The Thomas and Evon Cooper International Competition, produced annually by 91ֱ��, has been identifying some of the world’s most talented young violinists and pianists since 2010. Each year, about 18 young artists come to 91ֱ��’s campus to compete for the chance to win a $20,000 first prize, perform a full concerto with orchestra, and earn full-tuition scholarships to 91ֱ�� Conservatory.</p> <p>“The Cooper” is set to return in 2025—this time with a slight twist. It will take place in the winter, with the opening day on January 5 and competition rounds running through January 10. The winter 2025 edition is open to outstanding violinists from around the world between the ages of 13 and 18. The field will be limited to 18 participants, selected from applicants worldwide and <a href="/cooper-competition/violin-2025/apply">applications</a> are due October 1.</p> <p>For this competition, 91ֱ�� is pleased to announce a new artistic partnership with the <a href="https://promusicacolumbus.org/">ProMusica Chamber Orchestra</a>, based in Columbus, Ohio. The ensemble will come to 91ֱ�� to collaborate with the three Concerto Finalists on Friday, January 10, in historic <a href="/finney-chapel">Finney Chapel</a>. American conductor <a href="https://www.normanconductor.com/about">Norman Huynh</a> will conduct.</p> <figure class="captioned-image obj-right"> <figcaption>Sibbi Bernhardsson</figcaption> </figure> <p>“We are extremely happy and excited about our new partnership with the excellent ProMusica Chamber Orchestra and their creative partner <a href="https://promusicacolumbus.org/about/artistic-leadership/vadim-gluzman/">Vadim Gluzman</a>, CEO Janet Chen (an 91ֱ�� alumna), and music director David Danzmayr. In addition to performing with our three finalists, ProMusica will also present our winner during an upcoming season,” says <a href="/sibbi-bernhardsson">Sibbi Bernhardsson</a>, violin professor at Oberlin and chair of the Cooper Competition for violin. </p> <p>The competition’s generous prize package is certainly a draw for young artists in the midst of costly educational programs. Cash prizes total $40,000, along with full-tuition scholarships to 91ֱ�� Conservatory for the three finalists. But there’s also financial support for the violinists who will participate in the competition that will cover lodging and meals while in 91ֱ�� and support for travel expenses. Highly accomplished collaborative pianists are also provided to the participants. The combination of this kind of support is often a difference-maker for aspiring competition participants.</p> <p>Added exposure to a worldwide audience via live-streaming video provides a remarkable opportunity for any young artist. Every round of the competition is streamed live, and once again, the Cooper Competition will partner with <a href="https://www.theviolinchannel.com/">The Violin Channel</a>, a collaboration that will amplify the streaming reach.</p> <p><strong>About the Prizes</strong><br> Cash prizes are awarded to violinists occupying the top six places. <br> First Prize: $20,000<br> Second Prize: $10,000<br> Third Prize: $5,000<br> Fourth, Fifth, and Sixth Prizes: $1,500 each<br> Audience Prize: $500</p> <p>The three finalists will be awarded full four-year tuition scholarships to 91ֱ�� Conservatory, pending admission. For the first-prize winner, there’s much more to the awards package. </p> <p>A top-three prize winner will have the opportunity of a two-year loan of a fine violin from <a href="https://www.jonathansolars.com/">Jonathan Solars Fine Violins.</a> </p> <p>In a partnership with <a href="https://mkiartists.com/">MKI Artists</a>, the 2025 Cooper Competition first-prize winner will receive career mentorship and gain experience working with an agency during the 2025-26 and 2026-27 seasons.</p> <p>Additionally, the winner of the 2025 Cooper Competition will be a featured guest artist with <a href="https://promusicacolumbus.org/">ProMusica Chamber Orchestra</a> for a mutually agreed upon performance engagement between the winner and the orchestra during the 2025-26 or 2026-27 season. This engagement also includes a $500 Arkady Fomin Scholarship Fund Opportunity Award, granted directly to the winner by the North Shore Chamber Music Festival, as well as a lesson with ProMusica Chamber Orchestra Creative Partner Vadim Gluzman.</p> <p>“We are pleased to offer a compelling and meaningful experience for all the participants, including the impressive prize package for the first-prize winner,” says Bernhardsson.</p> <figure class="captioned-image obj-right"> <figcaption>Violinist Seohyun Kim with the Canton Symphony</figcaption> </figure> <p>In fact, the Cooper Competition has been an important launching pad. Several of the top prize-winning violinists of the Cooper Competition have gone on to premiere competition successes and remarkable careers. These <a href="/cooper-competition/laureates">laureates</a> include <a href="https://www.sirenahuang.com/">Sirena Huang</a> (2011), <a href="https://williamweiviolinist.com/biography/">William Wei</a> (2013), <a href="https://www.belleting.com/">Belle Ting</a> and <a href="https://www.joshuabrownviolinist.com/">Joshua Brown</a> (2015), <a href="https://www.johandalene.com/">Johan Dalene</a> (2017), and Seohyun Kim (2022, pictured).</p> <p>Performing for the competition jury is another opportunity for young violinists to establish important connections in the field. The 2025 jury includes 91ֱ�� Conservatory violin faculty and other internationally recognized teacher-performers. Joining Professor Bernhardsson are </p> <ul> <li>Catherine Cho, violin and chamber music faculty at The Juilliard School</li> <li>Francesca dePasquale, 91ֱ�� Conservatory violin professor</li> <li>Peter Herresthal, violin faculty at the Oslo Academy, Royal College of Music in London, and NYU’s Steinhardt School</li> <li>Xie Nan, violin professor and chair of the violin department at the Central Conservatory of Music in Beijing, China</li> <li>William van der Sloot, 91ֱ�� Conservatory violin professor</li> </ul> <p>Official collaborative pianists will be announced at a later date.</p> <p>For complete competition details, please visit the <a href="http://oberlin.edu/cooper">Cooper Competition website.</a></p> <hr> <p><em>Founded in 2010, the Thomas and Evon Cooper International Competition is dedicated to presenting an important international competitive opportunity to outstanding young musicians. It is made possible through the generosity of Thomas Cooper, a 1978 graduate of 91ֱ�� College, and his wife, pianist Evon Cooper. The Cooper Competition alternates annually between piano and violin and is open to participants between the ages of 13 and 18.</em></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p></div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-subhead field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">The international competition offers an extensive prize package and financial support for all competition participants.</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-type field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item">News Story</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item"><time datetime="2024-08-20T12:00:00Z">Tue, 08/20/2024 - 12:00</time> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-author field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Conservatory Communications</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2356">Conservatory</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2388">Cooper Competition</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-programs field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=35116">Violin</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-faculty field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/sibbi-bernhardsson" hreflang="und">Sibbi Bernhardsson</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/francesca-depasquale" hreflang="und">Francesca dePasquale</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/william-van-der-sloot" hreflang="und">William van der Sloot</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-departments field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/conservatory/divisions/strings" hreflang="und">Strings</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-pin-school-page field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">Off</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-photo-gallery-top field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">false</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-media field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> </div> </article> <article> <h1>Two Share Top Prize at the 2023 Cooper International Piano Competition</h1> <p>srasmuss — Sat, 05 Aug 2023 04:41:29 +0000</p> <span>Two Share Top Prize at the 2023 Cooper International Piano Competition</span> <span><span>srasmuss</span></span> <span><time datetime="2023-08-05T00:41:29-04:00" title="Saturday, August 5, 2023 - 00:41">Sat, 08/05/2023 - 00:41</time> </span> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>For the first time in the history of the Cooper International Competition for piano, the top prize was awarded to two participants. Pyotr Akulov and Sophia Shuya Liu were named co-champions following the Concerto Concert with The Cleveland Orchestra Friday evening.</p> <figure class="captioned-image obj-right"> <figcaption>Taige Wang</figcaption> </figure> <p>Akulov opened the concert performing Franz Liszt’s Concerto No. 1 in E-flat Major, S. 124. Liu followed, performing Camille Saint-Saëns' Concerto No. 2 in G Minor, Op. 22. Third place winner Taige Wang ended the concert with a performance of Sergei Rachmaninoff’s Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini, Op. 43. All three finalists performed with The Cleveland Orchestra, under the direction of David Robertson.</p> <p>Akulov (16 years old) of Moscow, Russia and Liu (14) of Montreal, Quebec, Canada each earned a $15,000 prize. Wang (13), of New York, New York, United States earned 3rd place and a $5,000 prize.</p> <p>The jury deliberated for more than 35 minutes. Robert Shannon—director, jury chair, and founder of the Cooper Competition for piano—beamed with enthusiasm and shared that this "was the best Cooper Competition ever." </p> <p>The competition’s 2023 field consisted of 19 pianists, ages 13 to 18, hailing from seven countries. They competed for four days on the campus of 91ֱ��, with the Concerto Finalists determined by Wednesday’s Concert Round.</p> <p>At Wednesday’s Concerto Round, held at Warner Concert Hall, three of the finalists were awarded fourth through sixth place: in fourth was Yanyan Bao (16), of Zhuhai, Guangdong, China; earning fifth was Andrew Sijie Li (15), of Canada, Hong Kong, and Boston, Massachusetts; and sixth place was conferred on Seoeun Lee (14), of Suwon, Gyeonggi, South Korea. Each received a prize of $1,500.</p> <p>In another Cooper Competition first, Filip Trifu (18), of Vienna, Austria, was awarded seventh place and he received a prize of $500. </p> <p>The 2023 Audience Prize was awarded to Akulov and came with a $500 prize.</p> <p>Founded in 2010, the Thomas and Evon Cooper International Competition is dedicated to presenting an important international competitive opportunity to outstanding young musicians. The competition alternates annually between piano and violin. The program was first offered in summer 2010 for pianists, followed by a 2011 competition for violinists. Open to musicians between the ages of 13 and 18, the competition culminates in a final round where the top three competitors perform a full concerto with orchestra. Cash prizes total $40,000, including a $20,000 first prize.</p> <p> </p></div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-subhead field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Performances of concerti by Franz Liszt and Camille Saint-Saëns with The Cleveland Orchestra receive top honors in the competition.</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-type field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item">News Story</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item"><time datetime="2023-08-05T12:00:00Z">Sat, 08/05/2023 - 12:00</time> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-author field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Shelly Rasmussen</div> <div class="text-content field field--name-field-intro-text field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field__item"><p>History was made this evening as Pyotr Akulov and Sophia Shuya Liu were both named champions for the Cooper International Competition for Piano.</p></div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2388">Cooper Competition</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2356">Conservatory</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2387">Conservatory Summer Programs</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=3889">Piano</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-image-caption field--type-string-long field--label-hidden field__item">Pyotr Akulov and Sophia Shuya Liu are co-champions of the 2023 Cooper International Competition for piano.</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-pin-school-page field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">Off</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-photo-gallery-top field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">false</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-image-credit field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Yevhen Gulenko</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-media field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> </div> </article> <article> <h1>Three Pianists selected for the Cooper Competition’s Final Round</h1> <p>srasmuss — Thu, 03 Aug 2023 02:37:46 +0000</p> <span>Three Pianists selected for the Cooper Competition’s Final Round</span> <span><span>srasmuss</span></span> <span><time datetime="2023-08-02T22:37:46-04:00" title="Wednesday, August 2, 2023 - 22:37">Wed, 08/02/2023 - 22:37</time> </span> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>The masterful performances that have graced Warner Concert Hall for the past three days culminated Wednesday evening with the selection of three pianists that have been chosen to move on to the Concerto Finals. The concert will take place this Friday, August 4 at Severance Hall in Cleveland.</p> <p>Pyotr Akulov, (16), of Moscow, Russia, Sophia Shuya Liu, (14), of Montreal, Quebec, Canada, and Taige Wang, (13), of New York, New York, United States have advanced to the Concerto Finals.</p> <p>On Friday, each finalist will perform with the Cleveland Orchestra, under the direction of David Robertson. Friday’s Concerto Finals will also be available via livestream. The concert will feature Liu performing Saint-Sens’ Concerto No. 2 in G Minor, Op. 22, Wang performing Rachmaninoff’s Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini, Op. 43, and Akulov performing Liszt’s Concerto #1 in E-flat Major, S. 124.</p> <p>Also honored at the announcement of the three finalists were Yanyan Bao (16 years) of Zhuhai, Guangdong, China; Andrew Sijie LI, (15), of Boston, Massachusetts, Canada, and Hong Kong; Seoeun Lee, (14), of Suwon, Gyeonggi, South Korea; who each earned fourth through sixth place, respectively. Each takes home a prize of $1,500. Filip Trifu, (18), of Vienna, Austria, placed seventh and received a prize of $500. </p> <p>The 2023 Audience Prize was awarded to Pyotr Akulov and comes with a prize of $500.</p> <p>Tickets for the Friday, August 4, 7:30 p.m. Severance Hall Final Concerto performance can be purchased at <a href="https://www.clevelandorchestra.com/attend/concerts-and-events/2324/other-events/cooper-piano/">Clevelandorchestra.com</a>. Tickets start at just $15 and students under 18 years old are free with a paying adult. More information can be found at the Cleveland Orchestra website or by calling 800-686-1141.</p> <p>Thursday, August 3, is the annual Cooper Honors Recital at 7:30 p.m. in 91ֱ��’s Warner Concert Hall. Outstanding Semifinal performers will present a free performance of selections from their programs earlier in the competition. This program will be live-streamed at <a href="/conservatory/on-stage/live-webcasts/warner-concert-hall-live-webcast">oberlin.edu/cooper</a>.</p> <p>Details about the participants, jurors, and schedules for each round can be found at the official <a href="/cooper-competition">Cooper Competition website</a>.</p> <p>Follow the Cooper Competition on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/coopercompetition/">Facebook</a> and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/cooper_competition/">Instagram</a> for photos, behind-the-scenes action, and up-to-date information.</p></div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-subhead field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Each will perform with the Cleveland Orchestra Friday, August 4 for a $20,000 grand prize.</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-type field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item">News Story</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item"><time datetime="2023-08-02T12:00:00Z">Wed, 08/02/2023 - 12:00</time> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-author field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Shelly Rasmussen</div> <div class="text-content field field--name-field-intro-text field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field__item"><p>The three days of semi-final performances that have taken place in Warner Concert Hall culminated Wednesday evening with the selection of three pianists chosen to move on to the Concerto Finals at Severance Hall.</p></div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2388">Cooper Competition</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2356">Conservatory</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2387">Conservatory Summer Programs</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=3889">Piano</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-image-caption field--type-string-long field--label-hidden field__item">2023 Cooper Competition awards ceremony following the Concerto Round. Pictured: L-R (back) Thomas and Evon Cooper, Robert Shannon, Boris Slutsky, Dang Thai Son, Stanislav Ioudenitch, Angela Cheng, and Ewa Poblocka, (front) Filip Trifu, Andrew Sijie Li, Sophia Shuya Liu, Taige Wang, Seoeun Lee, Pyotr Akulov, Yanyan Bao</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-pin-school-page field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">Off</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-photo-gallery-top field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">false</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-image-credit field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Adan Caldera Quintero</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-media field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> </div> </article> <article> <h1>2023 Cooper International Piano Competition Field Narrowed to Seven Pianists</h1> <p>srasmuss — Tue, 01 Aug 2023 20:18:56 +0000</p> <span>2023 Cooper International Piano Competition Field Narrowed to Seven Pianists</span> <span><span>srasmuss</span></span> <span><time datetime="2023-08-01T16:18:56-04:00" title="Tuesday, August 1, 2023 - 16:18">Tue, 08/01/2023 - 16:18</time> </span> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>After two days of nineteen semifinal performances, each consisting of 40-minute programs, the jury has selected seven pianists to move on to the Concerto Round. The Concerto Round on Wednesday features the pianists in performances of a full concerto, with piano accompaniment. Our finalists range in age from 13 to 18 years old and represent seven countries.</p> <p>The following musicians have been selected to advance:</p> <p>Andrew Sijie Li, 15, Boston, Massachusetts | Canada & Hong Kong<br> L. V. BEETHOVEN Concerto No. 3 in C Minor, Op. 37</p> <p>Sophia Shuya Liu, 14, Montreal, Quebec | Canada<br> C. SAINT-SAENS Concerto No. 2 in G Minor, Op. 22</p> <p>Yanyan Bao, 16, Zhuhai, Guangdong | China<br> F. CHOPIN Concerto No. 2 in F Minor, Op. 21</p> <p>Filip Trifu, 18, Vienna | Austria<br> R. SCHUMANN Concerto in A Minor, Op. 54</p> <p>Seoeun Lee, 14, Suwon, Gyeonggi, South Korea<br> F. CHOPIN Concerto No. 1 in E Minor, Op. 11</p> <p>Taige Wang, 13, New York, New York | United States<br> S. RACHMANINOFF: Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini, Op. 43</p> <p>Pyotr Akulov, 16, Moscow | Russia<br> F. LISZT Concerto No. 1 in E-flat Major, S. 124</p> <p>Each pianist will perform on Wednesday, August 2 for the chance to perform in Friday’s Concerto Finals. The Concerto Round will be held in two sessions at 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, August 2 at Warner Concert Hall. The concerts are free and open to the public and available via <a href="/conservatory/on-stage/live-webcasts/warner-concert-hall-live-webcast">livestream</a>. The schedule is available at the <a href="/cooper-competition/piano-2023/schedule">Cooper Competition website.</a></p> <p>Following the Concerto Round on August 3, the jury will determine the three pianists that will perform in the Finals in Cleveland on Friday, August 4. This is the culmination of the week’s competition and will showcase the artists performing complete concertos with The Cleveland Orchestra under the direction of David Robertson at Severance Music Center's Mandel Concert Hall. </p> <p>At the conclusion of the evening, one participant will be named the Cooper champion, and win a grand prize of $20,000. </p> <p>Tickets for the Friday, August 4, 7:30 p.m. Severance Hall Final Concerto performance can be purchased at <a href="https://www.clevelandorchestra.com/attend/concerts-and-events/2324/other-events/cooper-piano/">Clevelandorchestra.com</a>. Tickets start at just $15 and students under 18 years old are free with a paying adult. More information can be found at the Cleveland Orchestra website or by calling 800-686-1141.</p> <p>Details about the participants, jurors, and schedules for each round can be found at the official <a href="/cooper-competition">Cooper Competition website</a>.</p> <p>Follow the Cooper Competition on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/coopercompetition">Facebook</a> and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/cooper_competition/">Instagram</a> for photos, behind-the-scenes action, and up-to-date information.</p></div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-subhead field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Concerto round will take place with two performances Wednesday August 2.</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-type field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item">News Story</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item"><time datetime="2023-08-01T12:00:00Z">Tue, 08/01/2023 - 12:00</time> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-author field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Shelly Rasmussen</div> <div class="text-content field field--name-field-intro-text field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field__item"><p>Three pianists will earn the opportunity to perform with The Cleveland Orchestra August 4 at Severance Hall.</p></div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2388">Cooper Competition</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2356">Conservatory</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2387">Conservatory Summer Programs</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=3889">Piano</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-pin-school-page field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">Off</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-photo-gallery-top field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">false</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-media field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> </div> </article> <article> <h1>2023 Cooper International Competition for Piano Opens</h1> <p>cstrauss — Mon, 31 Jul 2023 02:05:50 +0000</p> <span>2023 Cooper International Competition for Piano Opens</span> <span><span>cstrauss</span></span> <span><time datetime="2023-07-30T22:05:50-04:00" title="Sunday, July 30, 2023 - 22:05">Sun, 07/30/2023 - 22:05</time> </span> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>Nineteen young pianists from around the world have arrived in 91ֱ�� and have drawn for their order of performance. They will take the stage July 31 through August 4 for the twelfth annual <a href="http://oberlin.edu/cooper">Thomas and Evon Cooper International Competition</a>. Each of them will vie for a share of $40,000—including a $20,000 first prize.</p> <p>The field features <a href="/cooper-competition/piano-2023/participants">performers</a> who range in age from 13 to 18 and hail from four states and seven countries: Austria, Canada, China, Japan, South Korea, Russia, and the U.S.</p> <p>These outstanding musicians were chosen from applications that came in from 138 pianists representing 15 countries—Australia, Austria, Canada, China, India, Japan, South Korea, New Zealand, Russia, Singapore, Spain, Taiwan, Thailand, United States, and Vietnam—and fourteen states from coast to coast.</p> <p>The action begins at 9:00 a.m. Monday, July 31—the first of four consecutive days of free performances at 91ֱ�� presented by the young artists. <a href="/cooper-competition/piano-2023/livestream">All rounds will be streamed live at oberlin.edu/cooper.</a></p> <p>The excitement culminates at 7:30 p.m. Friday, August 4, as three finalists perform complete concertos with The Cleveland Orchestra at Severance Hall in Cleveland, under the direction of conductor David Robertson. Tickets start at just $15 and students under 18 years old are free with a paying adult. More information can be found at the <a href="https://www.clevelandorchestra.com/attend/concerts-and-events/2324/other-events/cooper-piano/">Cleveland Orchestra website</a> or by calling 800-686-1141.</p> <p>The winner takes home a $20,000 first prize, with $10,000 and $5,000 awarded for second and third place, respectively. Each finalist’s prize package also includes a full-tuition scholarship to attend 91ֱ�� Conservatory.</p> <p>In addition to the top prizes, the competition awards $1,500 to each of the fourth- through sixth-place winners, and also grants an Audience Prize of $500. These are presented at the conclusion of the Wednesday Concerto Round in 91ֱ�� on August 2.</p> <p><strong>ABOUT THE 2023 COMPETITION PARTICIPANTS</strong><br> <em>The pianists are listed in order of their drawing and the schedule of their performance during the Semifinal Round on Monday July 31 and Tuesday, August 1. Listings include the participants' age, current residence, and the country or countries they represent.</em></p> <p><strong>MONDAY</strong></p> <p>1. 9:00 am Andrew Sijie Li, 15, Boston, Massachusetts | Canada & Hong Kong<br> 2. 9:45 Jiahong (Ericsson) Lin, 15, West Vancouver, British Columbia | Canada & China<br> 3. 10:45 Antoni Kleczek, 16, Vienna, Virginia | United States<br> 4. 11:30 Sophia Shuya Liu, 14, Montreal, Quebec | Canada</p> <p>5. 2:00 pm Chanhyung Park, 16, Seongnam, Gyeonggi | South Korea<br> 6. 2:45 Yanyan Bao, 16, Zhuhai, Guangdong | China<br> 7. 3:45 Harmony Zhu, 17, Cresskill, New Jersey | Canada<br> 8. 4:30 Xuanyan Gong, 16, Jericho, New York | China</p> <p>9. 7:00 pm Fuyin Liu, 17, Munich, Germany | China<br> 10. 7:45 Lindsey Yang, 17, Temple City, California | United States<br> 11. 8:45 Sawako Harada, 16, Chofu, Tokyo | Japan<br> 12. 9:30 Filip Trifu, 18, Vienna | Austria</p> <p><strong>TUESDAY</strong></p> <p>13. 9:00 am Lewis Fang, 15, Hopewell, New Jersey | Canada<br> 14. 9:45 Seoeun Lee, 14, Suwon, Gyeonggi, South Korea<br> 15. 10:45 Taige Wang, 13, New York, New York | United States<br> 16. 11:30 Yuhe Jin, 16, Shanghai | China</p> <p>17. 2:00 pm Matthew Chang, 14, Bethesda, Maryland | United States<br> 18. 2:45 Pyotr Akulov, 16, Moscow | Russia<br> 19. 3:30 David Choi, 15, Los Angeles California | United States</p> <p><strong>TICKETS AVAILABLE NOW:</strong> Tickets for the Cooper Competition Concerto Finals at Severance Hall range from $15 to $32, and all students under age 18 are admitted free with a paying adult. Tickets are available at the Cleveland Orchestra website or by calling 800-686-1141.</p> <p><strong>COMPETITION SCHEDULE</strong><br> <strong>Monday, July 31</strong><br> Semifinals: Day 1<br> The Semifinal Round runs for two days and features 19 pianists performing 40-minute recitals. Sessions begin at 9 a.m., 2 p.m., and 7 p.m.</p> <p><strong>Tuesday, August 1</strong><br> Semifinals: Day 2</p> <p>9 a.m. | Semifinals: Session 4<br> 2 p.m. | Semifinals: Session 5</p> <p>6 p.m. | Announcement of the SIX pianists who will move on to the Concerto Round.</p> <p><strong>Wednesday, August 2</strong><br> Concerto Round<br> The Concerto Round features six pianists in performances of a full concerto, with piano accompaniment.<br> 2 p.m. | Concerto Round<br> 7 p.m. | Concerto Round</p> <p>10:00 p.m. | Announcement of the THREE pianists who will move onto the Final Round. Awarding of the 4th through 6th prizes, and Audience Prize.</p> <p><strong>Thursday, August 3</strong><br> 7:30 p.m. | Honors Recital in Warner Concert Hall<br> This concert features pianists in performances of outstanding selections from the Semifinal Round.</p> <p><strong>Friday, August 4</strong><br> 7:30 p.m. | Final Round<br> Three pianists perform complete concertos with The Cleveland Orchestra, under the direction of David Robertson, at Severance Music Center's Mandel Concert Hall in Cleveland, Ohio.</p> <p><strong>ABOUT THE COOPER COMPETITION: </strong>Founded in 2010, the Thomas and Evon Cooper International Competition is dedicated to presenting an important international competitive opportunity to highly accomplished young musicians. It is made possible through the generosity of Thomas Cooper, a 1978 graduate of 91ֱ�� College, and his wife, pianist Evon Cooper. The Cooper Competition alternates annually between piano and violin and is open to participants between the ages of 13 and 18. Past winners include pianist George Li and violinist Johan Dalene, both of whom have accumulated numerous international competition prizes and cultivated outstanding performance careers.</p></div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-subhead field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Young pianists vie for $40,000 in cash prizes plus the opportunity to perform with The Cleveland Orchestra.</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-type field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item">News Story</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item"><time datetime="2023-07-30T12:00:00Z">Sun, 07/30/2023 - 12:00</time> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-author field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Cathy Partlow Strauss ’84</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2388">Cooper Competition</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2356">Conservatory</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-programs field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=29541">Piano</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-departments field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/conservatory/divisions/keyboard-studies" hreflang="und">Keyboard Studies</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-pin-school-page field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">Off</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-photo-gallery-top field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">false</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-media field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> </div> </article> <article> <h1>Chopin Competition Winner Bruce Liu to Perform on 91ֱ�� Artist Recital Series</h1> <p>cstrauss — Sun, 23 Apr 2023 18:09:28 +0000</p> <span>Chopin Competition Winner Bruce Liu to Perform on 91ֱ�� Artist Recital Series</span> <span><span>cstrauss</span></span> <span><time datetime="2023-04-23T14:09:28-04:00" title="Sunday, April 23, 2023 - 14:09">Sun, 04/23/2023 - 14:09</time> </span> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>Rising Canadian pianist Bruce Liu, winner of the 18th Chopin International Piano Competition in Warsaw, Poland, will perform the closing program on the 91ֱ�� Artist Recital Series 2022-23 season. The concert is at 2:30 p.m. on April 30 in historic Finney Chapel. </p> <p>Liu will play pieces by Frederic Chopin and Franz Liszt—two great pianist-composers who expanded the piano repertoire in ways that still astound and move artists and audiences. </p> <figure class="captioned-image obj-right"> <figcaption>Photo credit: Yan Zhang</figcaption> </figure> <p>He describes the music on his spring recital programs as "operatic and full of romantic scenes.”</p> <p>This concert features Chopin—the poet of the piano—at two distinct stages in his tragically brief career: his early time in Poland in the 1820s, and his artistic maturity during the following decade in Paris. Liu has linked each half of the recital with pieces based on Mozart's opera <em>Don Giovanni</em>—Chopin's virtuoso variations on Zerlina and Don Giovanni’s duet and the impassioned fireworks of Liszt’s <em>Réminiscences de Don Juan</em>—both riveting showcases for a pianist. The Liszt is extremely demanding technically and it's considered to be among the most taxing works in the entire piano solo repertoire. Liu will also perform Chopin's emotionally complex Second Sonata in B-flat minor.</p> <p>"I’m very excited to bring the Chopin program and also combine a Liszt piece," says Liu. "The main theme for me is the Mozart <em>Don Giovanni</em> opera—the Chopin variations and the Liszt <em>Don Juan</em>. This combination has been a dream for me for a long time."</p> <p>Following this 91ֱ�� performance, Liu will take the same program to New York for his Carnegie Hall debut on May 19—still a milestone moment in any musician's career.</p> <p>After Liu's win at the career-making Chopin Competition in fall 2021, the now 25-year-old artist was launched onto the international scene, releasing his highly regarded debut album on Deutsche Grammophon and embarking on a marathon globe-crossing tour. He has now performed in important cultural centers on four continents, including Paris, Vienna, Brussels, Tokyo, Seoul, Abu Dhabi, São Paulo, Buenos Aires, Toronto, and Montreal, among many others. </p> <p>His first album, featuring the winning performances from the Chopin Competition, has received international acclaim including the Critics' Choice and Editor's Choice from <em>Gramophone Magazine</em>, and it was included in the publication's list of Best Classical Albums of 2021. </p> <p>The <em>Financial Times</em> wrote, "Spontaneity is a feature that makes his performances feel constantly alive." They continued, "This is a pianist with a captivating musical personality.”</p> <p>His solo piano recitals and concerto appearances with the world’s most prominent orchestras have been met with enthusiastic reception by audiences and critics.</p> <p>His performance with the Montreal Symphony in August 2022, earned a review on Bachtrack noting with surprise that "he displayed the poise and polish that would be more typically associated with a pianist with decades of experience."</p> <p>The Chopin Institute—the presenting organization of the Chopin Competition—maintains a <a href="https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLTmn2qD3aSQveuDKarRUibMEjFqJd1t1U">YouTube playlist of all of Liu's performances</a> at the competition in October 2021. His brilliant Final Round performance of Chopin's Concerto in E minor, Op. 11 has racked up more than four million views. The extraordinary reception for his music making at the competition—with live-streaming and the video access that remains online—has elevated his profile and led to near sell-outs in outing after outing. </p> <figure class="captioned-image obj-right"> <figcaption>Bruce (Xiaoyu) Liu performing in the Finals of 91ֱ��'s Cooper International Competition with The Cleveland Orchestra in July 2012. Photo credit: Roger Mastroianni</figcaption> </figure> <p>Born in Paris to Chinese parents, Liu grew up in Montreal. His introduction to northeast Ohio audiences was in 2012 when he captured the Second Prize at the Cooper International Piano Competition, performing Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 2 with The Cleveland Orchestra at Severance Hall.</p> <p>Liu shares, "91ֱ�� has been a really special place for me because of my personal history and relationships. The Cooper International Competition was my first international competition. It's full of wonderful memories."</p> <p>He has also been a Fellow at the 91ֱ��-Como Piano Academy, and counts 91ֱ�� piano professor Dang Thai Son among his most important mentors.</p> <p>Dang, a legendary figure at the Chopin Competition and its winner in 1980, knows his student's strengths well. He describes that Liu "by his nature is dynamic and intense; he hypnotizes the audience."</p> <p>This will be the first time that Liu is coming back to 91ֱ�� to perform an actual concert. </p> <p>"I’m really excited for this, especially after the Chopin Competition. It’s among the first recitals I will be playing in the U.S. since 2021."</p> <p>Tickets for the 91ֱ�� Artist Recital Series are available online at <a href="http://oberlin.edu/events/bruce_liu_piano">91ֱ�� Central Ticket Service</a> and are $35 ($30 OC Staff/Faculty/Alumni, Seniors, Military) and $10 for all students. For more information, contact Central Ticket Service at <a href="mailto:cts@oberlin.edu?subject=Tickets%20for%20Bruce%20Liu">cts@oberlin.edu</a> or call 800-371-0178.</p> <p><br> </p></div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-subhead field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Finney Chapel is just one of the stops on the artist's year-long globe-crossing tour</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-type field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item">News Story</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item"><time datetime="2023-04-23T12:00:00Z">Sun, 04/23/2023 - 12:00</time> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-author field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Cathy Partlow Strauss ’84</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2364">Artist Recital Series</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2356">Conservatory</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2399">91ֱ��-Como Piano Academy</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2388">Cooper Competition</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-programs field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=29541">Piano</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-faculty field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/dang-thai-son" hreflang="und">Dang Thai Son</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-departments field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/conservatory/divisions/keyboard-studies" hreflang="und">Keyboard Studies</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-image-caption field--type-string-long field--label-hidden field__item">Bruce Liu performing at the Chopin Competition in October 2021.</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-pin-school-page field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">Off</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-photo-gallery-top field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">false</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-image-credit field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">The Fryderyk Chopin Institute</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-media field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> </div> </article> <article> <h1>91ֱ��'s Cooper International Competition for Piano Returns in 2023</h1> <p>cstrauss — Fri, 07 Apr 2023 21:39:34 +0000</p> <span>91ֱ��'s Cooper International Competition for Piano Returns in 2023</span> <span><span>cstrauss</span></span> <span><time datetime="2023-04-07T17:39:34-04:00" title="Friday, April 7, 2023 - 17:39">Fri, 04/07/2023 - 17:39</time> </span> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>The competition will take place from July 29 through August 4, and is open to outstanding pianists from around the world between the ages of 13 and 18.</p> <p>The generous prize package totals $40,000 in cash awards—including a $20,000 first prize—and all three Concerto Finalists will be awarded full four-year tuition scholarships to 91ֱ�� Conservatory, pending admission. </p> <p>The last time the Cooper Competition for piano was held was in 2018. The pandemic interrupted the cycle and international travel. </p> <p>“We are thrilled to bring back the Cooper piano competition and to collaborate with the Cleveland Orchestra once again as we celebrate the best young piano talent in the world,” says 91ֱ�� Professor of Piano <a href="/robert-shannon">Robert Shannon</a>, Cooper piano competition director and jury chair.</p> <p>Daily competitive rounds begin on Monday, July 31, and build toward the Finals on Friday, August 4, in which three finalists each perform a complete concerto with <a href="https://www.clevelandorchestra.com/">The Cleveland Orchestra</a>, conducted by <a href="https://conductordavidrobertson.com/">David Robertson</a>.</p> <p>An Honors Recital, celebrating outstanding performances from the competition’s Semifinal Round, will take place on Thursday evening, August 3 in 91ֱ�� Conservatory's Warner Concert Hall.</p> <p>All rounds of the competition and the Honors Recital are open to the public. Sessions in Warner Concert Hall are available free of charge. Tickets for the Cooper Competition Concerto Finals at Severance Hall will be available at the <a href="https://www.clevelandorchestra.com/attend/concert-calendar/">Cleveland Orchestra website</a> or by calling 800-686-1141. </p> <p>All rounds will be webcast live to a global audience via <a href="http://oberlin.edu/livestream">oberlin.edu/livestream</a>. </p> <p><strong>2023 COOPER COMPETITION JURY </strong><br> The <a href="/cooper-competition/piano-2023/jury">2023 Cooper Competition jury </a>consists of esteemed pianists from the 91ֱ�� Conservatory faculty and acclaimed performer-pedagogues from throughout the world. The jury is led by Cooper Piano Competition Director and 91ֱ�� Conservatory Professor of Piano Robert Shannon. It includes fellow 91ֱ�� professors—and winners of important international competitions—<a href="/angela-cheng">Angela Cheng</a>, <a href="/dang-thai-son">Dang Thai Son</a>, and <a href="/stanislav-ioudenitch">Stanislav Ioudenitch</a>. Distinguished visiting jurors include <a href="http://www.ewapoblocka.com/?lang=en">Ewa Pobłocka</a>, a prize-winner of the 10th International Fryderyk Chopin Piano Competition in Warsaw and a teacher at the Academy of Music in Bydgoszcz; and <a href="https://music.yale.edu/people/boris-slutsky">Boris Slutsky</a>—soloist, recitalist, and professor at The Yale School of Music.</p> <p><strong>APPLY</strong><br> Applications for the 2023 competition must be submitted by April 25. For a complete competition schedule, application, and more information, visit the <a href="/cooper-competition/piano-2023/apply">Cooper Competition website</a>. </p> <p><strong>ABOUT THE COOPER COMPETITION</strong><br> Founded in 2010, the Thomas and Evon Cooper International Competition is dedicated to presenting an important international competitive opportunity to outstanding young musicians. It is made possible through the generosity of Thomas Cooper, a 1978 graduate of 91ֱ�� College, and his wife, pianist Evon Cooper. The Cooper Competition alternates annually between piano and violin and is open to participants between the ages of 13 and 18.</p> <p>Laureates of the Cooper Competition for piano have gone on to win major competitions and establish thriving young careers. They include Leonardo Colafelice, George Li, Yuncham Lim, Xiaoyu Bruce Liu, Evren Ozel, Clayton Stephenson, Tony Yike Yang, and Tony Siqi Yun. <a href="http://oberlin.edu/cooper-competition/laureates">Learn more about the prizewinners of the Cooper Competition</a>.</p> <p> </p></div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-subhead field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">This summer's return welcomes an esteemed international jury; features finalists in live-streamed performances with The Cleveland Orchestra.</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-type field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item">News Story</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item"><time datetime="2023-04-07T12:00:00Z">Fri, 04/07/2023 - 12:00</time> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-author field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Cathy Partlow Strauss ’84</div> <div class="text-content field field--name-field-intro-text field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field__item"><p>The <a href="http://oberlin.edu/cooper">Thomas and Evon Cooper International Competition</a> brings some of the world’s most talented young musicians to the campus of 91ֱ�� every summer. In 2023, we will see a return of the piano competition with a slightly condensed format and the exciting Finals featuring three pianists in performances of complete concertos with The Cleveland Orchestra at their home venue, Severance Hall, in Cleveland, Ohio.</p></div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2388">Cooper Competition</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2356">Conservatory</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-programs field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=29541">Piano</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-faculty field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/robert-shannon-72" hreflang="und">Robert Shannon</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/angela-cheng" hreflang="und">Angela Cheng</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/dang-thai-son" hreflang="und">Dang Thai Son</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/stanislav-ioudenitch" hreflang="und">Stanislav Ioudenitch</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-departments field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/conservatory/divisions/keyboard-studies" hreflang="und">Keyboard Studies</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-pin-school-page field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">Off</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-photo-gallery-top field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">false</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-media field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> </div> </article> <article> <h1>Seohyun Kim Wins 2022 Cooper Competition for Violin</h1> <p>cstrauss — Wed, 24 Aug 2022 00:33:17 +0000</p> <span>Seohyun Kim Wins 2022 Cooper Competition for Violin</span> <span><span>cstrauss</span></span> <span><time datetime="2022-08-23T20:33:17-04:00" title="Tuesday, August 23, 2022 - 20:33">Tue, 08/23/2022 - 20:33</time> </span> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>Seohyun Kim, a 13-year-old violinist from Seoul, South Korea, was named the top prize winner of the <a href="/cooper-competition">2022 Thomas and Evon Cooper International Competition</a> at the conclusion of the Finals held in 91ֱ�� Conservatory’s Warner Concert Hall on Friday, August 19.</p> <p>The second of three performers, Kim delivered an interpretation of the Brahms Violin Concerto. Sameer Agrawal and Calvin Alexander, both 17 years old, performed the Tchaikovsky Violin Concerto. </p> <p>All three finalists performed with the Canton Symphony Orchestra, with Music Director Gerhardt Zimmermann.</p> <p>The jury deliberated for fewer than 15 minutes before emerging with its decision. The competition's top honor is accompanied by a $20,000 cash prize.</p> <p>“We had an amazing group of participants for the 2022 Cooper Competition. The finals were a real treat to listen to,” beamed Cooper violin competition director and 91ֱ�� violin professor <a href="/sibbi-bernhardsson">Sibbi Bernhardsson</a>.</p> <p>“Seohyun Kim is a special talent,” said Bernhardsson. “Her music making is pure, sincere, and gorgeous. I could not help thinking to myself, as she was playing, that this is what it must have felt like listening to a young Menuhin.”</p> <p>Earning second place and $10,000 was Sameer Agrawal of Chicago, Illinois, who opened the evening. Calvin Alexander of Shreveport, Illinois, earned third place and $5,000, and concluded the concert.</p> <p>Bernhardsson offered, “Though Calvin and Sameer both performed the same concerto, their interpretations were personal and very different from each other. They performed this great work with commitment and dedication, and both interpretations were very compelling!”</p> <figure class="captioned-image obj-right"> <figcaption>Sameer Agrawal, top, and Calvin Alexander.</figcaption> </figure> <p>In advancing to the Finals, all three violinists also earned full-tuition scholarships to attend 91ֱ�� Conservatory.</p> <p>In addition to the cash award and scholarship, this year's expanded prize package for the winner includes a two-year loan from Jonathan Solars Fine Violins of a rare Italian violin made by Venetian violinmaker Marco Antonio Cerin (circa 1785-90); a two-year partnership with MKI Artists for ten concert engagements of recitals or concertos over the next two seasons; and exclusive rights to the premiere and performances for two years of a new six-minute work for violin and orchestra composed by Jeff Scott. The piece is titled <em>O Canto do Uirapuru</em> or "The Song of the Musician Wren." </p> <p>“The extended prize package has made this a important and meaningful competition for a young violinist,” assures Bernhardsson.</p> <p>Bernhardsson was joined on the jury by Danielle Belen, violin faculty at the University of Michigan; Philip Setzer, founding member of the Emerson String Quartet; and John Zion, managing director of MKI Artists.</p> <p>Now in its 11th year, the Cooper Competition is presented annually by the 91ֱ�� Conservatory of Music. The format alternates each year between piano and violin. The 2022 competition was broadcast by The Violin Channel. Next summer will bring the Cooper International Competition for piano.</p> <p>The competition’s 2022 field consisted of 17 violinists, ages 13 to 18, hailing from six countries and nine U.S. states. They competed for five days on the campus of 91ֱ��, with the Finalists determined by Wednesday’s Round Two recitals.</p> <p>In Wednesday’s Recital Round at 91ֱ��, Audrey Goodner (16) of Reston, Virginia; Bianca Ciubancan (16) of Chicago, Illinois; and Kento Hong (age 16) of Edgemont, New York; earned fourth through sixth place, respectively, and each took home a prize of $1,500. Hong also earned the Audience Prize, which includes an award of $500. Ciubancan earned a special prize for the best Bach performance. Goodner won special prizes for best performance of Mozart and best performance of the 2022 Competition compulsory work—Jessie Montgomery's Rhapsody No. 1.</p> <p>ABOUT THE COOPER COMPETITION: Founded in 2010, the Thomas and Evon Cooper International Competition is dedicated to presenting an important international competitive opportunity to outstanding young musicians. It is made possible through the generosity of Thomas Cooper, a 1978 graduate of 91ֱ�� College, and his wife, pianist Evon Cooper. The Cooper Competition alternates annually between piano and violin and is open to participants between the ages of 13 and 18. Past winners include pianist George Li and violinist Johan Dalene, both of whom have cultivated outstanding young performance careers.</p></div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-subhead field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">13-year-old Korean violinist earns $20,000 and expanded prize package.</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-type field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item">News Story</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item"><time datetime="2022-08-23T12:00:00Z">Tue, 08/23/2022 - 12:00</time> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-author field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Cathy Partlow Strauss ’84</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2388">Cooper Competition</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2356">Conservatory</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2387">Conservatory Summer Programs</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-faculty field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/sibbi-bernhardsson" hreflang="und">Sibbi Bernhardsson</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-image-caption field--type-string-long field--label-hidden field__item">Thirteen-year-old violinist Seohyun Kim, with Gerhardt Zimmermann leading the Canton Symphony Orchestra, finishes the Brahms Violin Concerto with a flourish.</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-pin-school-page field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">Off</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-photo-gallery-top field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">false</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-image-credit field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Yevhen Gulenko</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-media field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> </div> </article> <article> <h1>Three Violinists Advance to the 2022 Cooper Competition's Concerto Finals</h1> <p>cstrauss — Thu, 18 Aug 2022 04:02:21 +0000</p> <span>Three Violinists Advance to the 2022 Cooper Competition's Concerto Finals</span> <span><span>cstrauss</span></span> <span><time datetime="2022-08-18T00:02:21-04:00" title="Thursday, August 18, 2022 - 00:02">Thu, 08/18/2022 - 00:02</time> </span> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>Six violinists gave poised performances in the August 19 recitals during Round Two of the 2022 Cooper International Competition. Three of the artists have earned the right to perform once again in the Concerto Finals beginning at 7:30 p.m. Friday, August 19, in 91ֱ�� Conservatory's Warner Concert Hall. Admission to the Friday Final Round is free and open to the public.</p> <p>Each remaining participant will perform a complete concerto with the Canton Symphony Orchestra, with Gerhardt Zimmermann, Music Director. Friday’s Concerto Finals will be streamed live on <a href="/conservatory/on-stage/live-webcasts/warner-concert-hall-live-webcast">oberlin.edu/cooper</a> and on <a href="https://www.theviolinchannel.com/vc-live-2022-cooper-international-competition/">The Violin Channel</a>.</p> <p>Sameer Agrawal (age 17) of Chicago, Illinois and Calvin Alexander (17) of Shreveport, Louisiana will both perform Tchaikovsky's Concerto in D Major, Op. 35. Seohyun Kim (13) of Seoul, South Korea will perform Brahms' Concerto in D Major, Op. 77.</p> <p>In Wednesday’s Recital Round, Audrey Goodner (16) of Reston, Virginia; Bianca Ciubancan (16) of Chicago, Illinois; and Kento Hong (age 16) of Edgemont, New York; earned fourth through sixth place, respectively, and each takes home a prize of $1,500. Hong also earned the Audience Prize, which includes an award of $500. Ciubancan earned a special prize for the best Bach performance. Goodner won special prizes for best performance of Mozart and best performance of the 2022 Competition compulsory work, Rhapsody No. 1, by Jessie Montgomery.</p> <p>Video recordings of Wednesday’s Round Two recitals will be shared on YouTube later this week.</p> <p>On Friday, one violinist will emerge as champion with a cash prize of $20,000. Second and third prize winners will earn $10,000 and $5,000, respectively. </p> <p>In addition to the cash awards, this year's expanded prize package includes full-tuition scholarships to 91ֱ�� Conservatory for the top three violinists; a two-year loan of a rare Italian violin from Jonathan Solars Fine Violins, made by Venetian violinmaker Marco Antonio Cerin circa 1785-90; a two-year partnership with MKI Artists for ten engagements over the next two seasons; and exclusive rights to the premiere and performances for two years of a new six-minute work for violin and orchestra composed by Jeff Scott. The piece is titled <em>O Canto do Uirapuru</em> or "The Song of the Musician Wren." </p> <p>Tomorrow evening, Thursday, August 18, is the annual Cooper Honors Recital at 7:30 p.m. in 91ֱ��’s Warner Concert Hall. Outstanding Round One performers will present a free performance of selections from their programs earlier in the competition. This program will be live-streamed at <a href="/conservatory/on-stage/live-webcasts/warner-concert-hall-live-webcast">oberlin.edu/cooper</a>.</p> <p>Learn more about the 2022 Cooper International Competition at the official <a href="/cooper-competition">Cooper Competition website</a>.<br> </p></div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-subhead field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Fourth through sixth place winners named along with the Audience Prize recipient</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-type field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item">News Story</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item"><time datetime="2022-08-17T12:00:00Z">Wed, 08/17/2022 - 12:00</time> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-author field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Cathy Partlow Strauss ’84</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2388">Cooper Competition</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2387">Conservatory Summer Programs</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2356">Conservatory</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-image-caption field--type-string-long field--label-hidden field__item">2022 Cooper Competition awards ceremony following Round Two. Pictured L-R: (back) Thomas and Evon Cooper, Sibbi Bernhardsson, Danielle Belen, and Philip Setzer, (front) Bianca Ciubancan (Fifth Prize), Sameer Agrawal (finalist), Augrey Goodner (Fourth Prize), Kento Hong (Sixth Prize), Seohyun Kim (finalist), and Calvin Alexander (finalist).</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-pin-school-page field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">Off</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-photo-gallery-top field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">false</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-image-credit field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Joshua Reinier</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-media field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> </div> </article> </main></body></html>