Since 1978 Palm Desert, California has been host to aspiring young pianists from around the world and has launched many into significant musical careers. At the same time, visitors and residents have enjoyed listening to great classical piano free of charge. 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. 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: Juniors (age 12 and under); Intermediate (13 through 17) and Seniors (age 18 through 35.)
Contestants participate in both solo and concerto rounds as well as Master Classes in each age category. Winners have earned performance opportunities in Vienna, London, Rome, Carnegie Hall (NYC), Florida, Denver, Snowmass, San Francisco, as well as Palm Springs and Palm Desert, California. 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.
The contestants for 2013 are
The contestants for 2013 are
Benjamin Smith of Ontario, Canada (Born in Canada)
Alina Sarkisian of Columbus, Georgia (Born in Azerbaijan)
HanQing Chang of Cincinnati, Ohio (born in China)
Ihang Lin of Weymouth, Massachusettes (born in Taiwan)
Jennifer Chu of Suffern, New York (born in USA)
Stephanie Ng of Houston, Texas (born in the USA)
Michael Rector of Ridgeland, Mississippi (born in the USA)
Scott Cuellar of New York, NY (born in the USA)
Tae Yeon Lim of Los Angeles, California (born in South Korea)
Ji Young Lee of Cincinnati, Ohio (born in South Korea)
Priscila Navarro of Fort Myers, Fl (born in Peru)
Sookkyung Cho of New York, NY (born in South Korea)
Eunkyung Yoon of Baltimore, Maryland (born in South Korea)
Hong Tang of New York, NY (born in China)
Christopher McKiggan of Houston, Texas (born in England)
Somang Jeagal of Los Angeles, California (born in South Korea)
Diyi Tang of Flushing, NY (born in China)
Keenan Reesor of San Gabriel, California (born in the USA)
Dominkia Szlezynger of Milan, Italy (born in Poland)
