The competition was founded by Cincinnati native Gloria Ackerman, a graduate of the Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto. There are two categories: the Young Artist Division (ages 5-17) and the Artist Division (ages 18-30).

Tatiana Tessman, 27, from Russia, won the gold medal and a prize of $10,000, according to the Cincinnati Enquirer. She will have the chance to perform at Alice Tully Hall in New York.

China's Xin Ti, 20, and Ryan MacEvoy McCullough, 19, who attends Humboldt State University in California, were silver medalists and each awarded $4,000. No bronze award was given.

Children competing in the junior division, subdivided into 12 levels, are grouped according to skill and repertoire, not age.