For immediate release                                                   April 23, 2008

JOPLIN, MO (SNS) – Winners of the junior and senior divisions of the Missouri Southern International Piano Competition will end the week on a triumphant note by performing in the Gala Winners Concert on Saturday, April 26. The 8 p.m. concert in Taylor Performing Arts Center on the MSSU campus climaxes a week in which 35 contestants from 11 countries have competed before a panel of international judges. Over $46,000 in prize money and a debut in Carnegie Recital Hall are at stake. Junior winners will be announced following their final round at 10 p.m. Thursday. Seniors will be announced at 10 p.m. Friday.

            The Gala evening begins with a ceremony awarding the winners their medals, and prize winnings. For the Senior division, the Grand Prize is $15,000 and the Carnegie Recital Hall debut, second prize $10,000 and third prize - $5,000. The Junior winners receive $4,000 first prize; $3,000 second prize; and $2,000 third prize. Senior and Junior honorable mentions receive $2,500 and $1,500 respectively.  All the contestants and Honors Audition winners also will be acknowledged. Then, each first, second and third place winner will perform a selection from their competition repertoire.

The concert will be broadcast live over 88.7KXMS Fine Arts Radio International with Jeffrey Skibbe as host.

Admission to the Gala is $15, and is free to all students and seniors 60 and older. Tickets are available at the door.

             For additional information and concert tickets, contact MSIPC at 417‑625‑9755, email msipc@mssu.edu.