International Collegiate Piano Stars Coming to Tampa Bay

International Collegiate Piano Stars Coming to Tampa Bay
Intensive Residency For Aspiring Professional Pianists

Tampa, Fla. – The Rebecca Penneys Piano Festival (RPPF), which launched in 2013, stemmed from a desire to create a
healthy and open learning environment where pianists worldwide could immerse themselves in all the various facets of
solo piano – completely tuition-free. RPPF quickly gained popularity as an attractive summer option where every pianist,
teacher, student, and/or piano enthusiast enjoys the magic of the classical piano repertoire and legacy.

Student applications are accepted annually, and this year saw an astounding 245 submittals, representing 93 schools
from 25 countries. RPPF handpicked the top 40 award-winning young artists, whose accomplishments reach beyond solo
piano studies to include elite piano competitions, pedagogy, composing, and community engagement projects. Notable
RPPF alumni include Ariya Laothitipong (Thailand), Xinjie Li (China) and Zhiqiao Zhang (China). These three amazing
pianists are in Warsaw, Poland this April competing in the preliminary round of the legendary 19th Chopin International
Piano Competition. Xinjie Li returns to RPPF in June for his second summer in the program. RPPF 2025 will also host
seven students from The Juilliard Schools in New York City and Tianjin, China.

Daily schedules at RPPF challenge these gifted pianists with unrivaled learning and performing opportunities
spearheaded by a world-class faculty roster of international artists. All participants are offered a semester’s worth of
private lessons, nightly masterclasses, outreach concerts, faculty forums, lecture performances, special topic classes,
legacy soirées, and cultural excursions into Tampa Bay.

The curriculum each summer and the overall artistic atmosphere draw returning students year after year, craving the
experience of RPPF. “My 60 years as an internationally renowned Steinway pianist, university professor, and recording
artist have given me the tools to support the needs and wishes of aspiring professional piano students worldwide”,
stated Rebecca Penneys, Founder and Director of RPPF. “The magic of RPPF is that we end in bliss – questions answered,
problems solved, meaningful friendships made, pathways to career steps opened, new intelligence and emotions
discovered – all on a journey toward personal transformation”, she continued. RPPF 2025 will welcome 15 returning
students, pianists from as far back as 2018 who are eager to expand their skills, build confidence, and form relationships
with the renowned guest faculty as they pursue personal and professional artistic goals.

RPPF stands as the crown jewel of summer piano in Tampa Bay, held annually at the University of South Florida (USF),
June 27 – July 17. Mark your calendars for upcoming concerts and events where the public is welcome to attend and
interact with these amazing young artists. Details can be found on the festival’s website. Highlights include performances
at the New Tampa Performing Arts Center on July 6 and the Museum of Fine Arts in St. Petersburg on July 13.