Ever since its inception in summer of 2003 the Southeastern Piano Festival has become one of the major cultural events in the Southeast region. The festival is highly praised for providing a rigorous training platform for aspiring young pianists and presenting outstanding piano concerts by celebrated and new artists.

A select group of pianists in grades 8 through 12 will have a multitude of performing opportunities, daily lessons with USC piano faculty, masterclasses and conversations with distinguished guest artists, and workshops on a wide variety of piano-related topics. Each day concludes with an evening recital by a guest artist, USC piano faculty members, or festival students.

The audiences will be given a rare chance not only to hear the performances, but also witness the “artist-in-the-making” process through open lessons, discussions, and masterclasses. The week’s events culminate with the Arthur Fraser International Piano Competition, adjudicated by a distinguished panel of judges. All three top prize winners will have the opportunity to perform with the South Carolina Philharmonic Orchestra under the baton of the new Music Director Morihiko Nakahara on October 25, 2008.