Attend the Nina Simone Piano Competition with the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra on October 7 at Music Hall
The future of the piano takes the stage. Art of the Piano, led by Awadagin Pratt, proudly presents the Nina Simone Piano Competition Finals, an extraordinary evening celebrating the artistry, promise and voices of talented young African American pianists.
Named in honor of the legendary Nina Simone — an artist whose extraordinary musicianship transcended genres and challenged the boundaries of classical music — the Competition provides a highly visible platform for emerging artists to share their gifts, gain professional experience and open doors to new opportunities.
The Competition finals will take place alongside the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra and through their performances, they represent not only the future of the piano, but the expanding possibilities of who gets to shape the future of classical music. Join us for a breathtaking evening of music and discovery as the next generation takes its place on stage.
- Doors open at 5 p.m.
- Pre-concert solo recitals 6 p.m. – 7 p.m.
- Mainstage concerto competition 7:30 p.m. – 9 p.m.
- Judges deliberate and winner is selected!
Tickets to the Nina Simone Piano Competition
All seats are just $35 and include access to pre-concert solo recitals by the three finalists.
Nina Simone Piano Competition Competitor Bios
About Evan Hines
Hailing from Sugar Land, Texas, Dr. Evan Hines maintains an active career as pianist, educator and collaborative artist. He has appeared with distinguished artists including Imani Winds, Valerie Coleman, Nancy Zhou and members of The Cleveland Orchestra, with performances at festivals including Tanglewood Music Festival and the Kent Blossom Music Festival.
About John Paul McGee
Dr. John Paul McGee is a pianist, scholar and ordained minister whose artistry is rooted in the intersection of Black sacred music, classical training and original scholarly inquiry — a formation that shapes every note he plays.
About Joshua Mhoon
American pianist Joshua Mhoon is rapidly emerging as one of the most compelling young artists in classical music today. Discovered at age seven, his remarkable talent and rapid musical development quickly distinguished him, despite having begun studying the piano later than many of his peers.
About the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra
The Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra is an American orchestra based in Cincinnati, Ohio. Its primary concert venue is Music Hall. In addition to its symphony concerts, the orchestra gives pops concerts as the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra. The Cincinnati Symphony is the resident orchestra for the Cincinnati May Festival, the Cincinnati Opera, and the Cincinnati Ballet.
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Music Hall Venue Information
Parking
Near Music Hall, there is a 450-space underground garage, surface lots, and on-street parking. Use the Cincy EZ Park App to pay for parking as appropriate. Take the Cincinnati METRO to the venue.
Accessibility
The accessibility entrance is located on the southeast side of the building on Elm Street. Please ask a Music Hall usher or staff member for additional assistance or directions.
Prohibited Items
Music Hall restricts bag sizes to 12″ x 12″ for your safety. A staff member can make an exception for individuals with medical necessity. All bags and jackets are subject to inspection at the entrance.
View a list of prohibited items.
Additional Downtown Excursions
Discover Black-owned businesses in downtown Cincinnati, from flavorful restaurants and sweet dessert spots to cozy coffee shops, stylish clothing boutiques, lively nightclubs, and more.
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Image provided by the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra
