MSIPC
Honored by
State of Missouri

JOPLIN, MO (SNS) – Missouri Southern International Piano Competition (MSIPC) received the state of Missouri’s highest honor in the arts. The Missouri Arts Council selected the Competition to receive the 2007 Missouri Arts Awards for Outstanding Arts Organization in the state. The Council initiated the Arts Awards in 1983 to honor individuals and institutions that have made a profound and lasting contribution to the cultural and artistic climate of the state. The award was presented (see photo above) officially by Gov. Matt Blunt and First Lady Melanie Blunt on February 7 at a ceremony in the Capitol Rotunda in Jefferson City.

“We are delighted that MSIPC is receiving such a prestigious award from the Missouri Arts Council” said Vivian León, competition director. “It is a great honor, especially to receive this on the eve of our twentieth anniversary year. We are very proud of MSIPC and the involvement of the community and area schools. It speaks volumes on the generosity and values of the people in Southwest Missouri. We are truly grateful to all those who have given us their encouragement and support.”

Begun in 1987, the biennial competition brings pianists to Joplin from all over the world to compete for over $30,000 in prize money and a debut concert in New York City’s Carnegie Recital Hall. Over the years, more than 50 countries have been represented among the contestants. During the competition week, concerts, lectures, school programs and competition rounds with international judges all are open to the public. According to León, MSIPC has gained an enviable reputation for fairness and the highest caliber of playing among conservatories and music schools world-wide. The competition will be celebrating its twentieth anniversary in 2007.

Each year the MAC Arts Awards winners in five categories are selected by a committee of Missouri citizens from throughout the state who are knowledgeable, experienced and highly respected in the arts. In addition to MSIPC, those named for 2007 were Vickie McCalley, Richmond – Arts Education; City of Columbia – Creative Community; Russ RuBert, Springfield – Individual Artist; and The Francis Family Foundation, Kansas City – Philanthropy.