Sunday, October 11, 2026 / Eugene
Beall Hall's first Murdock piano competition draws 185 applicants worldwide
Eight semifinalists reached Eugene for a three-day international contest that concluded Saturday night.
What began as a new piano competition in Eugene attracted 185 applicants from around the world. Eight semifinalists were selected for the inaugural Murdock International Piano Competition, organized by the Oregon Piano Institute and held at the University of Oregon's Beall Concert Hall October 8 through 10.
The opening concert featured Angela Cheng, Alvin Chow, Bernadene Blaha and Steven Spooner. Semifinal performances followed Friday, with finalists playing Saturday evening. The winner's name was not independently confirmed in the material available at this edition's cutoff.
The event's first prize includes $7,000 and future performance opportunities. Photographs from the competition were published by the Daily Emerald on October 10. The performances have ended, so readers should look to the organizer for official results rather than event tickets.
Field notes
What changed: The first Murdock International Piano Competition completed its three-day Eugene run October 10.
Why it matters: A new international classical-music competition brought performers and audiences to Beall Hall, with a substantial field of 185 applicants.
Who may be affected: Music students, local concertgoers and the University of Oregon arts community.