As Founder and Artistic Director of the Florence Price International Piano Competition, I am pleased to welcome all of the competitors, those attending the festival, guest artists, adjudicators and public. 

We are thrilled to bring together such a remarkable group of musicians who represent a wide spectrum of piano music in their innovative programming. We look forward to hearing from all of you as we celebrate the life and long legacy of Florence Price, one of the most distinctive voices of American music. Price had her early beginnings in her home state of Arkansas. The University of Arkansas Fayetteville is the main research center for Florence Price’s papers, photographs, letters and manuscripts. It is a treasure for our community that continues to be widely explored to this day. 

As you may know, Florence Price composed more than 300 compositions in her life. She knew well that being an African American female created tremendous obstacles in the promotion of her music. In spite of these forces standing in her way, she kept trying to get her music out into the world. As Florence Price herself once stated, “Being a woman or an African American should not be a handicap; it should not stop talent being discovered.”

Competitions create opportunities and exposure for young artists. The Florence Price International Piano Competition is dedicated to uplifting voices, amplifying creative expressions of composers, and celebrating the ever-increasing diversity in music. Inspired by the spirit of Florence Price, we want to feature those who are overlooked. We want to listen to those who are seeking to have their voices heard.

The Florence Price International Piano Competition is a fitting tribute to her legacy, a reimagining and reformatting of the traditional piano competition. Through performing and speaking, this event will be an open stage for those who passionately perform interesting and diverse music. It is an opportunity to share unique stories and bridge the gaps between music and audiences. We invite the entire community to feel involved. Come share with us; meet and hear distinctive young talents; open your hearts and minds to experience new music; be our witness as we carry on Florence Price’s wish to present music that truly deserves to be heard. 

I hope to see you there!

Xiting Yang

Founder and Artistic Director