We're coming to you LIVE from Oberlin, Ohio, for the 2025 Thomas and Evon Cooper International Competition for Pianists.

Open to young pianists aged between 13 and 18, a total of $40,000 is available in prize money, with the First Prize carrying a value of $20,000.

This year, the piano jury will comprise Robert Shannon (Director), Angela Cheng, Alvin Chow, André Gremillet, Douglas Humpherys, Aljoša Jurinić, Yong Hi Moon, and Haewon Song.

The competition has selected 21 semifinalists, whom you can meet here.

This year's edition for piano will be held at the Oberlin Conservatory and the Severance Music Center, with finals performed with the Cleveland Orchestra. 

The schedule for the comeptition is as follows:

Sunday, July 20
Semifinals: Day 1

The semifinalists will perform 40-minute recitals.

9 a.m. | Semifinals: Session 1

2 p.m. | Semifinals: Session 2

7 p.m. | Semifinals: Session 3

Monday, July 21
Semifinals: Day 2

9 a.m. | Semifinals: Session 4

2 p.m. | Semifinals: Session 5

6 p.m. | Announcement of the SIX pianists who will move on to the Concerto Round.

Tuesday, July 22
Concerto Round

The Concerto Round features seven pianists in performances of a full concerto, with piano accompaniment.

2 p.m. | Concerto Round

7 p.m. | Concerto Round

10 p.m. | Announcement of the three pianists who will move on to the Final Round. 4th through 6th prizes, and the Audience Prize will be awarded.

Thursday, July 24
Final Round

7:30 p.m. | Final Round
Three pianists perform complete concertos with The Cleveland Orchestra at Severance Music Center's Mandel Concert Hall in Cleveland, Ohio.