
Cooper International Competition
Founded in 2010, the Thomas and Evon Cooper International Competition is dedicated to presenting an important international competitive opportunity to outstanding young musicians.
The “Cooper Competition” at Oberlin, sponsored by Thomas and Evon Cooper, alternates annually between piano and violin. The program was first offered in summer 2010 for pianists, followed by a 2011 competition for violinists. Open to musicians between the ages of 13 and 18, the competition culminates in a final round where the top three competitors perform a full concerto with orchestra. Cash prizes total $40,000, including a $20,000 first prize.
Piano 2023
The performances of the 2023 Cooper International Competition for pianists begin July 31.
The Semifinals, Concerto Round, and Honors Concert will be held in Warner Concert Hall on the campus of Oberlin College & Conservatory. These rounds are free and open to the public.
The Concerto Finals with The Cleveland Orchestra will be held in Cleveland, Ohio at Severance Music Center's Mandel Concert Hall. Ticket information will be available in late spring.
Each round will also be streamed live on oberlin.edu.
See the Piano 2023 competition schedule
Learn more about the Piano 2023 participants

Photo by Roger Mastroianni.
News and Updates
Seohyun Kim Wins 2022 Cooper Competition for Violin
August 23, 2022
Three Violinists Advance to the 2022 Cooper Competition's Concerto Finals
August 17, 2022
2022 Cooper Competition Field Narrowed to Six Violinists
August 16, 2022
Past Competitions
Contact
General Information:
Anna Hoffmann
Program Administrator
direct: 440-775-8044
fax: 440-775-8942
ahoffman@oberlin.edu
Media:
Cathleen Partlow Strauss
Director of Conservatory Communications
Oberlin Conservatory of Music
440-775-8328
cstrauss@oberlin.edu
A Member of the Alink-Argerich Foundation since 2006.
About Oberlin Conservatory
Oberlin Conservatory of Music offers rigorous programs designed to prepare students for professional lives as performers, composers, scholars, and teachers. We welcome talented music students with demonstrated records of achievement to apply.
