Piano 2023

About the Competition

The Thomas and Evon Cooper International Competition brings some of the world’s most talented young musicians to the campus of Oberlin College and Conservatory every summer. Alternating years feature a competition for pianists and a competition for violinists.

The 2023 piano competition will take place from Saturday, July 29 through Friday, August 4.

Participants compete in two rounds in Warner Concert Hall at Oberlin Conservatory of Music. The top three finalists move on to the Concerto Finals Round on Friday, August 4 where they will give performances of complete concerti with The Cleveland Orchestra in Severance Hall in Cleveland, Ohio.  

Eligibility

Young pianists (ages 13-18) who have not yet enrolled in college, and who have not won one of the top three prizes in a previous Cooper competition are eligible to perform. The field of participants will be limited to 20 pianists.

Learn more about the rules and apply to participate.

Prizes*

First Prize: $20,000
Second Prize: $10,000
Third Prize: $5,000
Fourth, Fifth, and Sixth Prizes: $1,500 each
Audience Prize: $500

The top three finalists will also be awarded full four-year tuition scholarships to Oberlin Conservatory, pending admission.

*The jury reserves the right to withhold an award; in the event of a tie, the prize money of the prize won and that of the next prize(s) in the ranking will be added up and distributed equally.

Information for Audiences

• All Cooper Competition rounds are open to the public and will be streamed live .
• Admission is free to all rounds in the conservatory’s Warner Concert Hall.
• Tickets for the Concerto Finals with The Cleveland Orchestra at Severance Hall in Cleveland are available at clevelandorchestra.com or by calling (800) 686-1141.

News and Updates

Follow developing news about the 2023 Thomas & Evon Cooper International Competition for piano on Facebook, Instagram, and on the Oberlin News Center.