The Nena Wideman Piano Competition, which began in 1950, has been held annually the first weekend of December, at Centenary College-Hurley School of Music.

Outstanding pianists from throughout the United States and foreign countries and from major music schools have been attracted to the Competition.   Nationally and Internationally known pianists and conductors are chosen to be judges.

Nena Wideman, a former member of the Centenary College piano faculty, was the guiding spirit of the first competition and continued with unwavering enthusiasm until her death in 1983.   In 1982, an Endowment was created by the Shreveport Symphony in honor of Mrs. Wideman and established the permanence of this annual event.   Since Mrs. Wideman's death, Dr Lester Senter Wilson has been Executive Director.   Maestro John Shenaut, Conductor Emeritus of the Shreveport Symphony and Mrs. Clayton Young have been Co-Chairmen of the Competition.

Additionally, the continuance of the Competition would not have been possible without the loyal help over the years of those businesses and individuals who have supported it as Patrons Friends and Members of the Board.   The Wideman Competition, under the umbrella of the Shreveport Symphony Guild, Inc. is exceedingly grateful for the generous support of the Guild.   The Wideman Competition strives to promote excellence and encouragement to young pianists as they begin their careers.

The Shreveport Symphony was founded in 1948.  Two years later the Piano Competition was created by the Board of Directors.  One of the Competition's most attractive features was obtaining both private and corporate funds for the Symphony.  Federal and state funds were also available to interest young people further in the performing arts.  These funds went into the general operating budget of the Symphony.

Through the years, Nena Wideman was the guiding spirit of the Competition.  As testament to her tireless efforts, the Symphony added her name to the Competition in 1983.   The year before her death, Nena set up a trust fund of $10,000 with the Symphony, stipulating the annual interest be used for the Competition.  Since her death, her friends have continued to support and add to the fund.  One day, we hope, the Piano Competition will be self-perpetuating and self-funding.

The Competition is held each year the first weekend of December.  Hurley School of Music at Centenary College has graciously acted as host for the Competition.

The judges have been pianists and conductors of national and international reputation.

This year there are contestants from the United States, of course, the Philippines, Russia, China - both the Peoples Republic and Taiwan, Korea, The Netherlands, Croatia, Poland, Mexico, Hungary, Azerbaijan, Germany, France, Romania, Venezuela, Canada, Israel and Lithuania.  The break-up of the Soviet Union has materially added to the number of countries represented - just like in the Olympics!!!

Schools sending contestants include North Texas State, Hartt College of Music, Peabody Conservatory, Texas Christian, Manhattan School of Music, Samford University, Julliard, Rice university, LSU, Indiana, Brooklyn College, Youngstown State University, Cincinnati Conservatory, Miami of Ohio, Boston College, University of Missouri, University of Georgia, University of Arkansas, DePaul University, Sam Houston State, Rowan and others.