History

In January 2001, John Gardecki, a resident pianist of Middleburg, Virginia, joined the ranks of accomplished top-level amateur pianists who competed at Concours des Grands Amateurs de Piano in Paris, France. After his Paris performance, he competed in the 2nd Van Cliburn International Piano Amateur Competition at Fort Worth, Texas, and received very encouraging and positive feedback on his piano playing. The Paris and Forth Worth experience motivated and inspired John and his wife, Chateau, to bring this kind of competition to Washington D.C. They presented the idea to close friends and were very encouraged by their enthusiastic responses. Shortly thereafter, an Executive Board was assembled from fellow music enthusiasts who share the same strong passion for classical piano music and who understand the important role it plays in elevating the cultural life of a community.

With the encouragement and assistance of Jerome Barry, Director of the Embassy Series, Washington International Piano Arts Council (WIPAC) successfully launched its first public event at the La Maison Francaise of the French Embassy, on April 24, 2002, featuring four winners of the Paris, Forth Worth (Van Cliburn) and Boston international amateur piano competitions. The concert, aptly titled WINNERS GRAND PRIX CONCERT, was very well received by the public, and news of the successful event traveled fast. Immediately afterwards, Mr. Keith Peoples of the Society of the Cincinnati, extended an invitation to WIPAC to help revive their tradition of offering piano concerts to the general public at the Anderson House Museum. WIPAC offered to present a Fall and Spring Piano Concert Series for the 2002-2003 season. The first WIPAC/Anderson House concert was held on September 11, 2002, with pianist Martin Berkofsky a Liszt recital expressing the sentiments of this memorable day. This was followed by a stunning performance of great works of Ravel by pianist Eric Himy on October 19.

Since that time, WIPAC's Anderson House Piano Concert Series has continued unabated with 4 concerts every year. Many memorable programs have been presented by great pianists, including Frederic Chiu, Tzvetan Konstantinov, Stuart Isacoff, Silvanna Santinelli, Raymond Jackson, David Witten, and each year one concert is presented by the winner of WIPAC's international piano competition. All of these concerts are offered to the public free of charge.

In December 2002, WIPAC received its accreditation as a bona fide non profit organization under the IRS Section 501c3. The organization subsists through the generous support of its membership.

WIPAC presents fundraising gala and piano concerts throughout the year in cooperation with embassies located in Washington, DC. Annually in April, WIPAC presents the WINNERS GRAND PRIX CONCERT that features 4 winners of international piano competitions.

The highlight of the year is WIPAC's Festival of Music and Washington International Piano Artists Competition, available to pianists 31 years of age and above. The competition is held in July in cooperation with The George Washington University and with the continued support of various international embassies and organizations in Washington, DC.

For more information, please contact us.