ROCKINGHAM — Local young pianist Alex Hutchinson left Mississippi with a little extra cash in his pocket.
Hutchinson competed in the 2026 World Championship Old-Time Piano Playing Contest, placing third in the Junior Division.
The contest is held over Memorial Day weekend in Oxford, Mississippi, “to provide an opportunity for pianists to compete and learn in a stimulating atmosphere, and to educate people about old-time piano music written prior to 1940.”
During the competition, on the campus of the University of Mississippi, Hutchinson performed “Rattlesnake Rag” by Ethwell Hanson and the traditional tune “John Henry.”
For his third-place finish, Hutchinson was awarded a bronze medallion and $250 cash prize.
Artistic Director Ian Hominick said Hutchinson “is an extraordinarily talented individual and deserves recognition for his success.”
The middle child of Rockingham Mayor John Hutchinson and Sharon Hutchinson has competed in the event since 2022 and previously placed third in 2023 — behind his older brother, John Patrick, who finished first that year and in 2025.
Earlier this year, Hutchinson placed second in the Division 4 American Legion Oratorical Contest.
