Oxford, AL – The Rubato International Piano Competition Gala Concert was a spectacular event, showcasing extraordinary talent from around the globe at the Oxford Performing Arts Center (OPAC) in Alabama. Held on March 16, the gala celebrated the competition’s rapid growth since its inception in 2022, marking Rubato as one of the largest international piano competitions in the Southeast United States.
Rubato’s founder and executive director, Julio Barreto, welcomed attendees with enthusiasm, highlighting the competition’s distinctive format that features both jazz and classical performances within a single day. This year, Rubato attracted 140 competitors from 20 U.S. states and several countries, including Argentina, Australia, Brazil, China, South Korea, and the United Kingdom. With nearly $200,000 awarded in scholarships, prizes, masterclasses, and travel accommodations, Rubato continues to support young pianists in pursuing their musical aspirations.
The gala featured mesmerizing performances by the 2023 Rubato Gold Medalists—Matthew Liu of Kansas, Jordan Anderson of Michigan, and Shengyi Huang of China—each delivering stunning interpretations of both classical and jazz pieces. The evening’s ambiance was enhanced by the Stanway Spirio D Concert Grand piano, the only one of its kind in Alabama, which provided an extraordinary musical experience.
A significant highlight of the evening was the unexpected announcement that the 2025 Rubato finals would be transformed into a television special. This special will air on Alabama Public Television and be made available to PBS stations nationwide. It will feature the performances of Rubato finalists, along with a behind-the-scenes look at their journey, offering viewers a unique perspective on the competition and its participants. The production will be led by the talented students of Oxford High School’s Jacket Media Department, who have been livestreaming Rubato events since the competition’s inception.
The announcement came as a surprise to the Oxford High School students, who were not expecting such a major development. “This is an incredible opportunity for our students,” said Candace Finley, OHS media instructor. “They have been dedicated to producing high-quality livestreams for Rubato since the beginning, and now they will have the chance to create a national television special. This surprise announcement is a testament to their hard work and the support of our community.”
Julio Barreto expressed his excitement about the partnership with Alabama Public Television, stating, “Public television has become the preeminent source for some of the most distinguished musical events of our time. For Rubato to achieve this level of recognition in only its third season is a testament to the commitment and support of Mayor Alton Craft, our city council, the OPAC staff, and all those generous supporters who have made this dream a reality.”
OPAC executive director John Longshore added, “The Oxford Performing Arts Center is the busiest stage in Alabama, and this broadcast will elevate our stage to a new level of recognition that is almost inconceivable. We are honored to share our venue and production with Alabama Public Television and look forward to a stronger partnership in the future.”
Oxford City Schools Superintendent Dr. Shannon Stanley expressed her pride in the students’ achievements: “We are incredibly proud of our Oxford High School TV production students for their outstanding work in live streaming the Rubato International Piano Competitions and Gala. This project is not only a wonderful opportunity for our students to showcase their skills but also a testament to the strong partnerships we have with the Oxford Performing Arts Center, the City of Oxford, and Alabama Public Television. The recorded product being used by Alabama Public Television and beyond highlights the high level of talent and dedication our students bring to their craft. This collaboration exemplifies the power of community and education working together to provide exceptional experiences for our students.”
Alabama Public Television will send members of its Emmy-award-winning production team to provide a Masterclass in television production for the Oxford High School media students and serve as advisors during the production process. Oxford City Schools Superintendent Dr. Shannon Stanley praised the collaboration, highlighting the significant educational opportunity for students and the strong community partnerships involved.
Mayor Alton Craft also commended the initiative, noting that the special collaboration with Alabama Public Television offers Oxford a unique platform to showcase the city’s attributes and the international competition’s impact. “I am thrilled that our Oxford High School media students will gain exceptional career tech experience from working with the award-winning Alabama Public Television team and producing the Rubato television special,” Craft said. “This collaboration highlights the power of community and education working together to create exceptional opportunities for our students.”
The evening concluded with emotional tributes and performances, and a shared excitement for Rubato’s future. As Barreto closed the gala, he looked forward to the next competition, saying, “We look forward to seeing you all again in August 2025 for the celebration of the third Rubato International Piano Competition.”
