Thirty-five pianists from around the world are gathered in Joplin to compete in the 12th annual Missouri Southern International Piano Competition.

The week-long competition brings pianists from around the world and judges from the classical piano genre together in what has become a nationally recognized competition, according to director Vivian Leon.

The pianists stay with host families in Joplin, Carthage, Neosho and other communities around the area.

In Tuesday’s issue, meet two Carthage host families and the competitors who, according to both families, are filling their homes with beautiful music as they rehearse.
Concerts will be open to the public throughout the week.

The opening concert will be by one of the judges, Nancy Weems, at 8 p.m. Monday in Webster Hall at MSSU.

Contestants begin performing at 9:15 on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday and continue throughout each day.

The junior finals are slated for 7 p.m., Thursday in Taylor Auditorium and the senior finals will start at 1 p.m. Friday, also in Taylor.