Celebrating Legacy, Inspiring Change: The Inaugural Florence Price International Piano Competition

On May 16, the U of A will host the inaugural Florence Price International Piano Competition, offering a transformative experience for young pianists while also honoring a groundbreaking figure in American music history. 

Founded by U of A teaching assistant professor of piano Xiting Yang, the competition brings together students, faculty, visiting artists and scholars, as well as the wider musical community, to spotlight the legacy of Florence Price, the first Black woman to have a symphony performed by a major orchestra. The event invites participation from piano students across undergraduate and graduate levels, both nationally and internationally. 

The FPIPC is a celebration of artistry, connection and identity. The event honors and promotes the profound communication between performer and audience, bridging the unspoken and the indescribable through the miraculous creation of music.   

This year's esteemed judges will come from Berklee College of Music, Southern Methodist University and the University of Kansas. During the two days, they will each perform at the opening concert and give masterclasses, as well as lectures. But beyond the competition itself, the event offers a rich experience for both the contestants and the audiences. A tour of the Florence Price Special Collections in Mullins Library will be one of the highlights of the two-day event.  

Opening concert will take place on May 16 at 7:30 p.m. at Giffels Auditorium, featuring performances by judges from Berkelee College of Music, Southern Methodist University and University of Kansas. Admission is free.

The Florence Price International Piano Competition invites the public to witness and celebrate the power of music to transcend boundaries, celebrate individuality and foster meaningful connections.