World-Class Piano Competition Returns to Cape Vincent

In early September, as the summer heat fades into something gentler, Cape Vincent also transforms. On the grounds of an historic estate, a white tent rises just above the St. Lawrence River shoreline. Inside, a concert grand piano stands regally. For three days, this becomes an unlikely concert hall, where locals settle into lawn chairs beside visitors from hundreds of miles away. All are drawn by the prospect of hearing gifted young musicians perform, while massive freighters silently drift past in the shipping channel behind them.

This is the Thousand Islands International Piano Competition for Young People, a beloved classical music event now celebrating its 22nd year. Returning September 5–7, 2025, and hosted by the Cape Vincent Arts Council (CVAC), the competition will bring 16 outstanding young pianists to Cape Vincent’s Maple Grove Estate, some from as far away as China and as close as Canada.

“The Piano Competition is a point of pride for the entire Cape Vincent community,” said Liz Brennan, President of the CVAC. “By combining beautiful music with the natural beauty of Cape Vincent and the St. Lawrence River, the event creates a wonderful experience for all involved.”

Dr. William Grant’s Legacy

The competition was founded in 2002 by the late Dr. William Grant (1924-2009), a pianist and lifelong lover of Chopin. His vision was simple: to give young classical musicians a place to shine, while promoting culture in the Thousand Islands. From 2004 to 2008, he funded the event entirely on his own.

Although Dr. Grant passed away in 2009, his generosity lives on, both in spirit and in substance. In 2024, the Dr. William James Grant Fund was created through his trust to support the long-term future of the competition. With an initial gift, and continued management by the Northern New York Community Foundation, the fund—along with the ongoing generosity of donors—ensures that this cherished musical tradition continues for generations.

The Competitors

This year’s roster features nine junior competitors (ages 11 to 16) and seven senior competitors (ages 19 to 24). The juniors hail from Canada and across the U.S.—including South Carolina, Texas, New Jersey, and New York— and even include a pair of twins. The senior division includes pianists originally from California, Montana, Canada, and China, all currently studying in North America.

The competition has become a launching pad for rising stars. One notable alumnus, Clayton Stephenson, who won the senior division in 2018, was later a finalist in the prestigious 2022 Van Cliburn International Piano Competition. Today, he performs worldwide, both as a soloist and with orchestras.

A Unique Format and Setting

What sets this competition apart is not just the caliber of the performers, but also the format and the setting. Held under a white tent on the grounds of the Maple Grove Estate, the event feels more like a musical gathering than a high-stakes contest. That spirit is entirely intentional.

Unlike many competitions where early elimination can leave pianists sidelined, all participants in Cape Vincent perform each day. The competition unfolds across three rounds over three days, with competitors performing pieces by Chopin, J.S. Bach, and other classical composers.

Audience members can attend as much or as little as they wish. There's no ticketing system or pressure to commit to the full event. Simply arrive, take a seat, and enjoy the music. Admission is free, and performances begin daily at 9:00 a.m., continuing through the late afternoon. The final round concludes Sunday at noon, followed by an awards ceremony.

Beyond the juried prizes, audiences also cast ballots for their favorite performers in each division, adding a community element that has become a beloved tradition. It isn’t uncommon to see audience members fastidiously comparing notes between rounds.

Judging and Mentorship

The competition is guided by Artistic Director Brian Preston, an acclaimed concert pianist and longtime music educator at Nazareth University. A fixture in the Rochester music community, Preston has helped shape the event into a nurturing, but rigorous opportunity for young artists.

The judging panel this year includes Ireneus Zuk, Professor of Piano at Queen’s University in Kingston, ON; Benjamin Hopkins, Professor of Music at Arizona Western College in Yuma, AZ; and Elier Suárez, a Rochester-based pianist and educator.

The competition also breaks from convention in how judges interact with participants. At the weekend's conclusion, each pianist has the opportunity to meet individually with the judging panel. These sessions allow performers to receive constructive feedback in a supportive environment.

Maple Grove: A Venue Like No Other

The historic estate that serves as this magical backdrop is Maple Grove, graciously hosted by the Taylor family for two decades. Following Bruce Taylor's passing in 2023, his wife Lynn continues to open her home and grounds to musicians and music lovers alike. “It is such a pleasure to host the Piano Competition at Maple Grove again this year,” Taylor wrote recently. “The dedication and talent of the young pianists is a joy to behold.”

The estate's elevated position creates perfect acoustics within the tent. It's not uncommon for a gentle River breeze to stir the tent fabric at precisely the right musical moment, creating an atmosphere that no traditional concert hall could replicate.

Hosted with Heart

True hospitality defines this competition. Year after year, local families welcome young musicians into their homes, housing not just competitors but often their entire families. It's a gesture of small-town warmth that resonates long after the final notes fade.

Mary Farrell has opened her doors for two consecutive years. "We look forward to our young pianist this year," she says. "These brilliant musicians are a joy to be around and we love it when they practice using our piano. It’s like having a personal concert.”

For Mary Ann Reid, another dedicated host, the real magic happens in the bonds formed among participants. "They arrive as competitors and leave as friends," she observes. The local community graciously facilitates these connections, she notes, “hosting pizza parties and get-togethers.”

More Than Music

The Piano Competition is the crown jewel of the Cape Vincent Arts Council, a volunteer-run 501(c)(3), dedicated to enriching life in the region through the arts. While CVAC also presents the Riverside Music & Arts Festival, Concerts on the Green, art classes, literary readings, and other creative programs, the Piano Competition holds a special place in the hearts of many.

Perhaps it’s the way young talent flourishes in such a supportive atmosphere, or how the River seems to carry each note with quiet reverence. Perhaps it’s the friendships forged over shared meals, or the soft words of encouragement whispered between performances.

Whatever casts this particular enchantment, it has elevated a small-town gathering into a world-class celebration of music and human connection.

If You Go

2025 Thousand Islands International Piano Competition for Young People
When: September 5–7, 2025
Where: Maple Grove Estate, 596 W. Broadway St., Cape Vincent, NY
Admission: Free and open to the public. Come and go throughout the day.
Schedule: Friday & Saturday, 9:00 a.m.–late afternoon; Sunday, 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m., followed by awards ceremony

More information: capevincentartscouncil.org

By Anna Purcell

Anna Purcell is a PhD student in Sociology at the University of California, Santa Cruz, and spends her summers in Cape Vincent, New York.