Oxford, AL – The 2025 Rubato International Piano Competition in Classical and Jazz concluded on Saturday, August 16, at the Oxford Performing Arts Center in downtown Oxford. The event, now in its third format since Rubato’s establishment in 2022, brought together young pianists from across the globe for three days of competition, performances, and masterclasses.
Eighty-two pianists from 12 countries and 30 states auditioned, with 15 semifinalists selected to perform in Oxford. Competitors arrived from Texas, California, Alabama, and Maryland, as well as internationally from Taiwan, Albania, Vietnam, and China. The group ranged in age from 10 to 27.
Before the semifinals, participants took part in a day of masterclasses led by adjudicators recognized among the world’s top music educators. The competition officially began with semifinal rounds on Thursday, August 14, and Friday, August 15, followed by the finals on Saturday evening.
Finalists competed for Gold and Silver medals, the Audience Favorite title, and a share of $40,000 in cash prizes. The competition was presented in partnership with Steinway & Sons, the official piano and sponsor of Rubato since its founding.
Since 2022, Rubato has expanded its reach, including sponsoring a 2024 gala featuring previous Gold Medalists. With its growing reputation, the competition and gala will continue as biennial events. Notably, 2022 Rubato Gold Medalist Shangru Du went on to compete in the prestigious Van Cliburn International Piano Competition earlier this year, advancing to the quarterfinals.
Rubato was founded and directed by Julio Barreto, who also serves as the Oxford Performing Arts Center’s director of music education. Barreto envisions Rubato as a cornerstone in the development of a future international school for the arts in Oxford, working alongside OPAC and the Alabama Children’s Museum, which is in the planning stages.
More information about the Rubato International Piano Competition and sponsorship opportunities is available at rubatopiano.org.
