Oxford, AL – 2025 Rubato International Piano Competition Concludes at OPAC
The 2025 Rubato International Piano Competition in Classical and Jazz concluded on Saturday, August 16, at the Oxford Performing Arts Center (OPAC) in downtown Oxford. The event brought together young pianists from around the world for three days of competition, performances, and masterclasses.
This year’s competition saw 82 pianists audition from 12 countries and 30 states, with 15 semifinalists selected to perform in Oxford. Participants arrived from across the U.S. and internationally from Taiwan, Albania, Vietnam, and China, ranging in age from 10 to 27.
Before the competition began, adjudicators led a day of masterclasses, offering insights from some of the world’s top music educators. Semifinal rounds were held on August 14–15, leading to a final round on August 16, where nine competitors performed before a live audience.
Medalists
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Classical (ages 10–18):
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Gold – Shixun Song, Massachusetts
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Silver – Enni Harlan, California
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Bronze (Audience Favorite) – Hiroshi Corra, California
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Jazz (ages 12–27):
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Gold – Tomas Jonsson, Maryland
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Silver – Brahm Sasner, California
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Bronze (Audience Favorite) – Jake Nalagan, California
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Classical (ages 19–27):
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Gold – Huan-Ching Chou, Taiwan
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Silver – Jiusi Zhang, China
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Bronze (Audience Favorite) – Celine Chen, California
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Gold medalists each received a $10,000 cash prize and will return to perform at the Rubato Gala Concert in 2026.
Growth and Partnerships
Rubato was founded in 2022 by Julio Barreto, OPAC’s director of music education. Since its launch, the event has expanded, with Steinway & Sons continuing as the official piano and sponsor. Past winners, such as 2022 Gold Medalist Shangru Du, have gone on to compete on major stages, including the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition.
The 2025 competition also marked the beginning of a documentary project filmed by Oxford High School’s Jacket Media program, which will premiere on Alabama Public Television later this fall and air on PBS stations nationwide in 2026.
Organizers, including OPAC staff, city officials, and sponsors, emphasized the event’s role in supporting artistry, education, and community. “Rubato is more than a competition. It’s a celebration of artistry, discipline, and inspiration,” said OPAC director John Longshore.
With its growing reputation, Rubato will continue as a biennial gala and competition, returning in 2027. More information and sponsorship opportunities are available at rubatopiano.org.
