Celebrating 25 Years of Piano Artistry

25 years of piano artistry, hands across the seas friendships and cultural diplomacy was celebrated at the National League of American Pen Women Center in Washington DC during the opening night reception of the Washington International Piano Arts Competition.

The event showcased some of the pianists that will be performing at this special 25th anniversary of WIPAC, bringing together many previous 1st-prize winners of the renowned competition. This year’s WIPAC is as much a celebration of the international non-professional artists who, “for the love of music,” come to Washington DC to compete, as it is an acknowledgement of the great achievement of the Founders of WIPAC, Mme. Chateau Gardecki and her husband pianist John Gardecki, who brought this piano competition to life.

As conceived by Chateau Gardecki, this year’s competition winner will have the opportunity on Sunday to perform a concerto with the Washington Conservatory of Music Orchestra. The final event will take place at the Embassy of the Republic of China under the patronage of Ambassador Xie Feng.

The opening night reception featured several pianists, including Irene Longacre Whiteside, the 2021 1st prize winner of the WIPAC competition. Whiteside performed Chopin's Barcarolle in F-sharp major, Opus 60. John Gardecki, WIPAC co-founder and a highly respected pianist in his own right, praised her interpretation as one of the most beautiful rendition of the Barcarolle he had ever heard. The Barcarolle , amongst Chopin’s most loved and demanding interpretive pieces, was written 3 years before his death.

Pianist Klyde Ledum performed the Chopin Polonaise “Heroique” Opus 53 and two pieces by noted composers of the Philippines to great acclaim.

Pianist Vanessa Schmithorst presence was indeed memorable, as she was the 1st prize winner of the WIPAC competition in 2008.

In addition to WIPAC’s esteemed Founders, the organization was represented by Ms. Carolyn Fuller, President of the Board; Mrs. Sheila Switzer, Vice President; Ms. Michela Gorham, Co-Chair of the Classic Circle Committee and Vice Chair of the same committee; Portia and Mike Davidson, both past Presidents of WIPAC; Don and Grace Sumihiro; Rhoda Septilici, Diplomatic Liaison; Zidi Berger; Susie Eisenger and Judith Ramage.

Other distinguished guests included Mr. Peter Gallanosa, brother of Mme. Gardecki; pianist Dr. Michael Slavin,1st prize winner of WIPAC’s 2014 competition (who will be performing this year), art patrons Ms. Lola Reinsch and Mr. Mike Rokni.

The event was attended by the Minister Counselor of Culture and Tourism of the Embassy of China, Ms. Chen Chunmei