Every year over Memorial Day weekend in Oxford, Mississippi, the World Championship Old-Time Piano Playing Contest is held to provide an opportunity for pianists to compete and learn in a stimulating atmosphere, and to educate people about old-time piano music written prior to 1940. Through the years, the contest has provided more than $70,000 in prize money to more than 500 piano players from across the United States and from five foreign countries. Players in 2025 will participate in three divisions-Regular, Junior & Senior, competing for cash prizes, trophies and medallions. The New Rag Contest, where aspiring composers present their original tunes, will also have its own cash prize and trophy. A variety of other activities include presentations, guest artist performances, silent movies, a youth master class, and after-hours events every night on the Oxford Square.

This is a weekend packed with Ragtime, Tin Pan Alley and Standard tunes played by amazing piano players. You don’t have to play piano to enjoy music that will have your toes tapping. You’ll have the time of your life at the World Championship Old-Time Piano Playing Contest.

Schedule:

9:00 am: Paul Stewart Presentation

The Piano Music of George Gershwin: The Creative Synthesis of Ragtime, Blues, Jazz and Classical

Paul Stewart helps celebrate the 100th anniversary of Gershwin’s premiere of the Rhapsody in Blue and the lasting magic of Gershwin’s music … creating a bridge between the jazz and classical genres. Paul, former Chair of the University of North Carolina School of Music, shares his knowledge of Gershwin’s music.

Tickets: $15 included in all-event or day pass

10:30 am: Trolley Tour of Historic Oxford (departs from circular Band Hall loop)

Join us for a trolley bus tour of historic Oxford including stops at Rowan Oak, the home of William Faulker, and Cedar Oak. Visitors wishing to take their own vehicles may park on campus free after 5 pm Friday.  Parking passes for events during Friday morning & afternoon will be handed out upon arrival. The trolley leaves from the Band circle at 10:30 am.

Tickets: $25 included in all-event or day pass.

12:00 pm: Luncheon at The Old Henry with music by 2024 Champion Paul Orsi

Join us for a musical luncheon at The Old Henry with three-time champion Paul Orsi providing entertainment. Paul has played his high-energy ragtime style in a variety of restaurants and venues throughout Southern California. In 1983, he joined the elite group of Coke Corner Pianists at Disneyland, where he performed for 10 years. You will be sure to enjoy Paul’s exciting style!

Tickets: $30 included in all-event or day pass

2:00 pm: Paul Orsi Presentation

The Top 10 Most Requested Rags of All Time

Join three-time Regular Division Champion Paul Orsi as he performs and speaks about the most often-requested tunes from the field of ragtime.

Tickets: $15 included in all-event or day pass.

3:00 pm: Sue Keller Presentation

Glenn Jenks: The Man and His Music

Known for combining traditional ragtime & classical themes and producing the Harvest Ragtime Revue in Camden, ME, Glenn Jenks composed over thirty piano rags incorporating a more contemporary harmony than his predecessors. Join Sue Keller as she explores the music of Glenn Jenks.

Tickets: $15 included in all-event or day pass

6:00 pm: New Rag Contest

The annual New Rag Contest is the first contest of the weekend. Composers must adhere to a strict list of rules and their selections must adhere to the standard format of a traditional rag. Come out and listen to pianists from across the country premiere their original compositions and compete for the New Rag trophy and cash prize.

Tickets: $20 included in all-event or day pass

Friday Afterhours @ The Old Henry  

8:00 pm: After-hours Party

Bring a friend and come out to listen to many of the pianists competing on the weekend. Bar and menu available. Contestants admitted free of charge.

Tickets: Not included in all-event or day pass - cover charge $10 at the door

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