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The Virginia Waring International Piano Competition is proud of the major role it plays in the cultural life of the Coachella Valley and of the opportunities, encouragement, and recognition it affords outstanding young artists and aspiring young performers.
For nearly thirty years Palm Desert, California has been host to aspiring young pianists from around the world and has launched many into significant musical careers. Started in 1978 as a segment of a piano conference at the College of the Desert, the Competition soon became established as the Joanna Hodges International Piano Competition under the direction of the artist/piano pedagogue of the same name. (Click here for Joanna Hodges Bio.)
Ms. Hodges' original goal was "to provide young pianists through age 32 with performance opportunities." To this day winners are awarded recital and concerto dates throughout the United States and Europe. Participation now includes three categories: Junior (pianists under the age of 12); Intermediate (through age 17) and Senior (through age 35.) Contestants may participate in both solo and concerto events as well as Master Classes in each age category. Winners in the 2005 Competition earned performance opportunities in Vienna, London, Rome, Carnegie Hall (NYC), Florida, Denver, Snowmass, San Francisco, as well as Palm Springs and Palm Desert, California. (Click here for list of 2005 Competition winners.)
In 2001 the Competition was reorganized and renamed The Virginia Waring International Piano Competition in honor of a beloved desert resident who enjoyed a long and successful musical career. Virginia (Mrs. Fred) Waring toured extensively as part of the duo-piano team of Morley and Gearhart. An ardent supporter of the Competition for many years, her leadership continues to be of immense value. (Click here for bio of Virginia Waring.)
A special category in the Senior Division is devoted to performances of the music of Ernst Krenek, the Austrian composer who for many years made the desert his home. Sponsored by the Krenek Society and the composer's widow, the winner in this category performs in Vienna and, in 2006, in Steyr, Austria.
College of the Desert has been the Competition's home through 2005. The McCallum Theatre is a partner in presenting the winners. Community support includes a large cadre of volunteers who provide housing for competitiors and transportation and other services throughout the competition. An active Board of Directors governs the Competition. (Click here for list of Board of Directors and Executive Committee.)
Major support for this major musical event comes from The Annenberg Foundation, the HN and Frances C. Berger Foundation, the McCarthy Family Foundation and from JoAnn McGrath and her Foundation. Additional sponsorship comes from The City of Palm Desert and The City of Indian Wells. Other supporters include the City of Rancho Mirage and the Conte Foundation. Numerous competition awards are underwritten by local patrons and foundations. Steinway is the official competition piano.
In 2004 Dr. Patricia Taylor Lee was named Artistic Director. (Click here for her bio.) In March 2007 the Junior and Intermediate events will be held at the Palm Desert Campus of California State University, San Bernardino (while construction is in progress at College of the Desert.) In addition to performance opportunities, more than $20,000 in prize money will be awarded to the Junior and Intermediate winners.
Planning is already underway for the Senior Competition in 2009.
