NEWSLETTER
Open to Public
Cape Vincent, N.Y. - Sixteen young pianists from the U.S., Canada, and China will bring their remarkable talents to Cape Vincent when the 2025 Thousand Islands International Piano Competition for Young People takes place September 5-7 on the grounds of Maple Grove Estate, 596 W. Broadway St., Cape Vincent.
Now in its 22nd year, the event is open to the public and admission is free. The competition begins each day at 9:00 a.m. and ends in late afternoon. Sunday's portion ends at noon, followed by an awards ceremony. Audience members can come and go as they please throughout the event.
Participants will compete for cash prizes in two divisions: Junior, featuring nine pianists ranging in age from 11-16 (including a set of twins); and Senior, featuring seven pianists ranging from 19-24. They hail from California, Montana, South Carolina, Texas, New Jersey, New York, Canada, and China; all are studying in the U.S. or Canada.
“We're extremely proud to support these young artists at the start of their careers.” said Liz Brennan, president of the Cape Vincent Arts Council (CVAC). “By combining beautiful music with the natural beauty of Cape Vincent and the St. Lawrence River, this event creates a wonderful experience for everyone involved. That includes the pianists and their families, the Cape Vincent residents who open their homes to them, and all of us who have the privilege of hearing them perform.”
About the Competition
In three rounds of competition, the pianists will perform music by Chopin, J.S. Bach, and other classical composers. In addition to prizes awarded by the judges, audience members can vote for their favorite performer in each division with the winner receiving the Audience Prize.
Artistic Director for the competition is award-winning pianist and acclaimed music educator Brian Preston. A leader in the Rochester NY music community and a concert pianist who has performed around the world, Mr. Preston has been on the music faculty of Nazareth College since 1991.
In addition to Mr. Preston, judges for the event are Ireneus Zuk, Professor of Piano, Queens University, Canada, and Benjamin Hopkins, Professor of Music, Arizona Western College.
The Legacy Continues
The Thousand Islands International Piano Competition was founded by the late Dr. William Grant in cooperation with the Cape Vincent Arts Council. A pianist and a lover of Chopin, Dr. Grant's goal was to encourage young pianists and to bring the joy of classical music to the Thousand Islands region. Thanks to his vision, it continues to be a successful annual event and the signature program of the Cape Vincent Arts Council.
In 2024, the Dr. William James Grant Fund was established by the Dr. William James Grant Trust to support the long-term viability of the competition. To learn more about the fund or to donate, contact the Northern New York Community Foundation at 315-782-7110 or visit nnycf.org.
The Cape Vincent Arts Council is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization consisting entirely of volunteers. It is dedicated to providing opportunities for the public to enjoy and participate in cultural activities in and around Cape Vincent. Among the events it sponsors are the Concerts on the Green series, the Stroll on Broadway, the Riverside Music & Arts Festival, summer art classes, author presentations, art exhibitions, and the Thousand Islands International Piano Competition for Young People. For more information, visit capevincentartscouncil.org.
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Photo: Piano competition rehearsal