Some of the top musicians in the country and from around the world will be at Kansas University next month for the International Institute for Young Musicians Summer Music Academy.

The institute, which KU has hosted for several years, will draw 101 pianists from across the country and from Japan, Taiwan and Canada for competitions, master classes and recitals.

The pianists will learn from faculty and other pianists through July 29.

“I saw a need for a program that would bring together talented young musicians from around the world,” said Scott McBride Smith, founder and director of IIYM. “I wanted them to have the chance to work with the world’s foremost teachers, and I wanted audiences to have a chance to hear the great artists of the future.”

Several events are open to the public. They are:

¢ The piano competition, with semifinals from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday and finals from 3 p.m. to 8:15 p.m. Tuesday, both at the Lied Center. The competition is free to attend.

¢ Winners will perform and be interviewed at 11:10 a.m. Tuesday on Kansas Public Radio, 91.5 FM.

¢ Winners of the competition will hold a concert at 7:30 p.m. July 10 at the Lawrence Arts Center, 940 N.H. Tickets are $10 for adults and $7 for seniors and students.

¢ Free student recitals will be held at 7 p.m. July 13, July 20 and July 27 at the Lied Center. Recitals also will be held throughout the program at 6:30 p.m. in Swarthout Recital Hall in Murphy Hall. For exact dates, visit www.iiym.com.

¢ Free, open master classes featuring students and faculty will be held at 4 p.m. July 8, July 15 and July 22 in Swarthout Recital Hall.

For additional information about the events, contact the School of Fine Arts at 864-3421.