On this episode of 'Exposition: An Arts + Culture Podcast', we speak with Dr. Nicholas Kenney, Chair of the Department of Music at Southeast Missouri State University.
He previews the International Horn Competition of America (IHCA) at the Southeast River Campus.
Performances are from August 27 to 30, 2026, in the Bedell Concert Hall.
The competition features over 100 performers across two divisions: University and Professional, with live streaming of the semifinals and finals on the IHCA YouTube channel. It takes place every two years at a different venue, and this time, Southeast Missouri State University is the host.
Streaming for the 2026 Semi-Finals: Professional Division of the Contest is in the Shuck Recital Hall and runs Saturday, August 29, from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm.
Streaming for the 2026 Semi-Finals: University Division of the Contest is in Bedell Concert Hall and runs Saturday, August 29, from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm.
The finals begin streaming Sunday, August 30, at 10 am with awards announced at 4 pm.
The International Horn Competition of America has been held since 1976.
About the event:
Provided by the International Horn Competition of America website: ihcamerica.org
The International Horn Competition of America is a biennial solo horn competition open to professional and university-level horn performers of all nationalities. This competition exists to advance the horn as an instrument, promote its diverse literature, elevate horn performance practices, and provide participants with personalized opportunities for growth and development.
The event includes an opening presentation with the IHCA's adjudicators and Board of Directors, clinics taught by adjudicators, rehearsals with collaborative pianists, a first round, semi-final round, final round of the competition, and an awards ceremony. Vitally, it also includes an opportunity for non-finalists to receive direct feedback from adjudicators on their performances.
Each competition takes place at a different location in the United States.
