Since 2020

History

Seven editions of the competition: every semi-finalist and the judges, year by year. Prizewinners are marked in gold.

Mixon Hall

The stage

Every semi-final and final since 2022 has been played in Mixon Hall at the Cleveland Institute of Music. The first two editions, in 2020 and 2021, were held online.

The 2023 finalists with James Stroud on the Mixon Hall stage — 2023. The finalists take a bow with James Stroud in Mixon Hall.

The 2026 awards ceremony in Mixon Hall — 2026. The awards ceremony: the four finalists with James Stroud.

James Stroud with four finalists on the Mixon Hall stage — James Stroud with the finalists on the Mixon Hall stage.

James Stroud on the Mixon Hall stage in 2020 — 2020. James Stroud announces the first winners from an empty Mixon Hall.

2026

The seventh edition

The four finalists in the final round, the semi-finalists on stage, and the awards ceremony in Mixon Hall.

Ruqi Jiang performing in the 2026 final — Ruqi Jiang, first prize.

Micah Montgomery performing in the 2026 final — Micah Montgomery, second prize.

Tae Kim performing in the 2026 final — Tae Kim, third prize.

Justin Chen performing in the 2026 final — Justin Chen, fourth prize.

The 2026 semi-finalists on the Mixon Hall stage — The semi-finalists gather on the Mixon Hall stage after the semi-final round.

James Stroud, founder and director, at the 2026 awards ceremony — James Stroud, founder and director, presenting the 2026 awards.

Year by Year

Semi-finalists, winners, and judges

1 First 2 Second 3 Third 4 Fourth