WIPAC's Quarter Century Milestone Celebrated at the Chinese Embassy

"Music and mutual understanding bring our two people together." -- H.E. Ambassador Xie Feng

On Sunday, August 10, the Washington International Piano Arts Competition's 25th anniversary final event was celebrated with much fanfare at the Great Hall of the Embassy of the Peoples Republic of China in Washington, DC. The diplomatic family of China welcomed WIPAC organizers and its audience to an exhilarating concert performed by pianist Michael Slavin and the Washington Conservatory of Music Orchestra.

Chosen by the Wipac jurors as the “Ultimate Pianist,” Slavin and the orchestra performed the Rachmaninoff Concerto No 1 in a culmination of WIPAC’s long history as a leading piano competition in the world.

The Ambassador of China to the United States, H.E. Xie Feng, welcomed everyone with a heartfelt speech, encouraging peaceful co-existence between our two countries. “Peace is a common pursuit for people who must help in changing this turbulent world, and China and the USA share in the obligation to encourage peace, solidarity and amity, as well as equality and mutual respect.” The Ambassador added, “Music and mutual understanding bring our two people together, as the winds of politics cannot be the reason to keep our people separated.”

In a seamless dialogue between pianist Slavin and the orchestra, under the baton of Conductor Jovan Zivkovic, the compelling narrative and emotional depth of Rachmaninoff’s music came to life. With great ease, Slavin interpreted the powerful and dramatic passages, from delicate lyricism to thunderous climaxes, maintaining control over the instrument throughout. Pianist Slavin and the Washington Conservatory of Music Orchestra’s exceptional musicians created a cohesive and integrated performance of one of Rachmaninoff’s most demanding works.

The Concerto, written by the composer at age 17- 18 in 1891 (later revised in 1917), is a remarkable work, highlighting Rachmaninoff’s genius as a teenager. Slavin captured Rachmaninoff’s youthful exuberance, as well as his sense of innocence that permeates the work.

Ambassador Xie Feng expressed a keen appreciation for WIPAC’s role in fostering the art of piano performance. In a similar way, he stated, the Chinese people’s appreciation for classical music has grown, with the flourishing of concert halls and opera houses throughout China and the creation of eighty orchestras. The Ambassador encouraged increased people-to-people exchange cooperation between China and the USA and invited Americans to visit his country.

As the Ambassador reminded the audience, it was a half century ago that the Philadelphia orchestra was the first American orchestra to visit China, forging the path to the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the USA under the auspices of Deng Xiaoping, President of China, and Jimmy Carter, President of the USA. The Ambassador referenced the great violinist Fritz Kreisler who at the turn of the century, composed the Tambourin Chinois, a very popular piece in the classical music repertoire. He drew attention to Chinese pianists Lang Lang and Yuri Wang, who have taken on the world stage.

The second part of the 25th Anniversary gala celebration at the Embassy featured Yiran Wang, WIPAC's 2018 Competition winner, performing the grandiose 4th Movement of the “Yellow River” Concerto. Ambassador Xie Feng commented that the work features China’s most passionate and powerful melodies, having inspired the world’s anti-fascist movement and forged a profound pledge for peace. “We must continue to develop bilateral relations, focus on mutual respect and find the right way to get along with each other."

Pianist Wang's performance of the “Yellow River” piano concerto, one of the most significant compositions of the Classical Chinese repertoire, was a musically compelling display of virtuosity, evoking the images of the powerful Yellow River. The dramatic musical exchange between pianist and orchestra highlighted traditional Chinese folk music combined with Western classical forms.

Following the Ambassador's remarks, WIPAC’s founder Mme. Chateau Gardecki, welcomed the audience and acknowledged WIPAC Vice Chair, Mrs. Sheila Switzer for her intercession in bringing the event at the Chinese Embassy to fruition. She also acknowledged Ambassador ‘s Xie Feng’s wife, Madame Wang Dan for her generosity as well as the Minister Counselor For Cultural and Tourism, Chen Chunmei, who also took part in the organization of this event.

Carolyn Fuller, President of the Board of WIPAC, expressed her appreciation for WIPAC's quarter century promotion of music as a universal language and acknowledged the notable support from WIPAC supporters and organizers. Michela Gorham and Faye Rokni served as distinguished Co-Chairs for this 25th anniversary celebration.

The Gala event took on special meaning with the delectable dinner menu comprised of a blend of beautifully decorated Chinese cuisine reflecting the various regions across China and Western flavors.