Converse Hosts Only National Duo-Piano Competition

The only duo-piano competition in the U.S. sponsored by a national music organization will be held in Daniel Recital Hall at Converse College Saturday, March 31, at 8:45 a.m.

Three teams of duo pianists will be competing for a $10,000 prize and the opportunity to receive professional representation by the NFMC for two years. The winners will be announced at 4 p.m. There is no admission charge, and the public is invited to attend.

Sponsored by the National Federation of Music Clubs, the bi-annual Ellis Competition is the only recognized American duo-piano competition supported by a national music organization, and attracts piano teams from throughout the U.S. The competition has been held at Converse since its inception in 1991.

Past winners include Pas de Duo (2005), the Roo Duo (2003), the Hamann Sisters (1999), the Long Duo (1997) and Hecht and Shapiro (1991).

Two local music clubs, the Spartanburg Philharmonic and the Music Club of Spartanburg, provide support in the form of hospitality and transportation. Mrs. Kenneth Cribb of Spartanburg is chair of the Auditions Committee.

The Ellis Duo-Piano Competition was made possible originally by a legacy left by Annie Lou Ellis of Birmingham, Ala., friend and benefactor of the National Federation of Music Club.