Our History

For more than a century, Cleveland has been renowned worldwide as a center for the performing and visual arts. Clevelanders and visitors to the city enjoy a large array of cultural institutions and events, made possible in large measure by the early and continued support of the community and its corporate citizens.

In 1975 a prestigious international piano competition was added to Cleveland's rich cultural legacy. The competition immediately drew a loyal following and has grown steady in size stature, and visibility. After more than 30 years, it is recognized globally as the Cleveland International Piano Competition. The impeccable reputation of the Competition attracts of field of more than 200 applicants from around the world and places Cleveland in the top echelon of music competitions. In 2003, the Cleveland Competition was awarded five stars - the highest number possible - in Piano Competitions Worldwide by Gustav Alink, an internationally recognized expert on music competitions. Of 420 piano competitions reviewed, only 31 received the prestigious five-star rating.

Since 2003 the Competition's four finalists have performed their concerto rounds with the Cleveland Orchestra at Severance Hall. It is the only piano competition in the world that has an orchestra of this world-class stature for its final rounds. The consequence has been far-reaching in the international music community, for potential candidates, and for the fortunate audiences in Cleveland.

"The participation of the Cleveland Orchestra puts the Cleveland competition galaxies away from the rest of the world's 600 or so piano competitions." The Plain Dealer, July 2003

The Competition presents a first prize of $50,000 -- the largest cash award offered by any international piano competition in the world. The award is known as the Mixon First Prize in honor of its sponsors, Mr. and Mrs. A. Malachi Mixon.

The first prize winner also is provided with a series of engagements under the auspices of the Competition, two years of management service, a compact disc recording on the Naxos label, and a New York recital debut at Alice Tully Hall in Lincoln Center.

The Competition is held biennially over a ten-day period that begins with the candidates performing solo recitals for the audience as well as an esteemed international panel of judges. Candidates are eliminated by vote of the jury until four finalists remain. These talented individuals perform concertos with The Cleveland Orchestra to determine the winner. The final rounds are held over a two-night period (two candidates per night) at Severance Hall. The winner is announced following the final performance.