Ben Hillyer | The Natchez Democrat — Local pianist John Elliot Ward plays Schumann’s Little Study from Album for Young.

Ben Hillyer | The Natchez Democrat — Leona Crasi, a student from the Alabama School of the Arts, plays Beethoven’s Sonata Op. 53. Crasi won first place in the teen division of the Alcorn State University Piano Competition.

Ben Hillyer | The Natchez Democrat — Winners of the 13-years-old and younger competition are Eiliza Folkert — first place, Victoria Gong and Emilia Folkert — tied for second place, and Matthew Yin — third place.

Ben Hillyer | The Natchez Democrat — Donovan Keith Ceaser, right, won the Amateur Adult portion of the competition.