MAYSVILLE, Ky. — The Washington Opera House is preparing to welcome the 2022 Franz Liszt Piano Competition winner, Yukine Kuroki, who will perform for the community. 

What You Need To Know

  • The Franz Liszt Piano Competition is a an international piano competition

  • This is the 21st year the Franz Lizst winner will perform in Maysville

  • Yukine Kuroki won the competition in 2022 and is performing this year

  • Kuroki's concert will be on Nov. 1

While this historic venue is currently decked in Halloween décor, in just under a week, it will transform back to its classical charm to host the world-renowned pianist.

Caroline Reese, Maysville Main Street Director, reflected on the opera house’s long-standing history of the building, saying, “It is really a special place for such a small town. It’s always had a very, very deep love, appreciation, and a lot of talent in music and the arts.”

The Washington Opera House has a rich history that dates back to the 1850s and remains a hub for both plays and musical performances. But how did this small town become one of two U.S. stops on this tour? According to Reese, it all started with an accidental conversation on a plane.

“If they are going to travel to the United States, they should see more than just a city. See how the culture and how people live in small towns,” Reese explained. That conversation led to the beginning of what is now a 21-year tradition, where each winner of the competition makes a stop in Maysville.

This year, Yukine Kuroki will perform a series of classical pieces that earned her title, further cementing Maysville’s role as a special stop in the global arts world.

A key player in keeping the arts alive at the Washington Opera House is the Maysville Players, one of the county’s oldest performance groups. For over 60 years, the group has helped ensure that the community remains connected to the arts, offering performances and providing opportunities for locals to experience culture beyond the everyday.

Debbie Lewis, president of the Maysville Players, emphasized the group’s commitment to accessibility. “We offer free tickets for those who can’t get here. We even have buses to bring kids from certain parts of town. We want them to see that there’s more out there than just what they see at home.”

As Reese reflected on the growth and long-standing history of the opera house, she says she’s can’t help but to feel fortunate, saying,“For the arts to be able to thrive in this building and in this town, as long as they have. That’s why I feel lucky.”

The concert will take place on Nov. 1 and is made possible through the John W. McNeil Performance Series, which sponsors the event.