Well, I have just returend from The Cleveland International Piano Competition in what was a beautiful town which they are working hard to make that so again.  There is one thing there which is remarkably beautiful and that is their Severance Hall.  The most beautuful concert hall that I have ever seen, here or abroad, what with its silver leaf and decorative plastered walls an ceiling.   Its accustics are supurb also.  Their competition was the best organized and run competition that I have attended as well, and that includes the Van Cliburn,  Manhattan and Hilton Head, to name just a couple of late.  

After they recovered from the shock of a little old Black man appearing on their sceen, knowledgeable of repertoire and standards of performance, ushers and sponsors welcomed me warmly.  That growth only took two days of the eight that I spent there.  Yet, I was happy that I went and met several performers and lots of officialdom, making friends with a hand full of same, too.  They do it every two years.   The experience  is worth the trip.    Oh, my candidate took second prize.