Fireworks Fly when 25 Young Pianists from Across the Globe
Converge on Palm Springs to Compete for More than $30,000 in Prizes at
The 2025 Palm Springs International Piano Competition (Junior Division)
April 11-21, 2025
New Season of Exciting Programming
Celebrates the Legacy of Peggy Cravens and
Ushers in a Promising Future of Excellence
2024-25 Season Kicks off with Virtuoso Voyage
Featuring 2019 Competition Winner Nathaniel Zhang in Concert
January 27, 2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (Palm Springs, CA) Today, Palm Springs International Piano Competition (PSIPC) announced its 2024-25 season programming. Formerly The Virginia Waring International Piano Competition, PSPIC will present a robust season of concerts and events that showcase the artistic riches of Palm Springs alongside an international who’s who of young pianists, at the start of their careers, in celebration of the life and legacy of one of the Coachella Valley’s most revered benefactors, Peggy Cravens.
“This is a huge moment for the Coachella Valley,” said Robert Koenig, Artistic Director of Palm Springs International Piano Competition. “The strong foundation built by Peggy Cravens, whose unwavering support and dedication to the arts and education gives PSIPC the strong foundation to confidently expand our reach into the Valley and outward to the world as an important resource for young pianists at the start of their careers.”
PSIPC’s 2024-25 Season is one of exciting musical travel as audience members are invited to embark on an inspirational voyage to discover the next generation of superstars. The season sets sail on January 27, 2025 at The Club at Morningside, with PSIPC’s Annual Benefit, Virtuoso Voyage. This event promises to be an evening of glitz, glamour, and exciting music-making with pianist Nathaniel Zhang, winner of the Junior Division of the 2019 PSIPC.
The highly anticipated 2025 Palm Springs International Piano Competition (Junior Division) brings audiences to their final destination. From April 11-21, the eyes of the world will be on the Coachella Valley when 25 young pianists, aged 13-17, compete for more than $30,000 in prizes. The first three elimination rounds will be held at Temple Isaiah and the final round, featuring the remaining four competitors as soloists with the PSIPC Festival Orchestra, takes place at the prestigious McCallum Theater on April 21, 2025.
Familiar ports of call will anchor PSIPC’s 2024-25 season. February 27, 2025 at St. Margaret’s Episcopal Church sees the welcome return of PSIPC & Friends with an expanded twist. This season, in addition to highlighting the remarkably talented musicians who serve as PSIPC board members, several high-profile guests will also be on the ticket, including the Latsos Piano Duo, soprano Michelle Fiore, and cellist John Walz. On March 20, 2025 PSIPC reprises one of its most unique experiences of the season, The Return of David Maiocco as Liberace. Held at the former home of the musical icon, audience members are transported back in time through interactive performance of highly acclaimed Liberace tribute artist, David Maiocco.
Tickets
Tickets can be purchased by visiting psipc.org. For assistance with seating, please contact Kimberley Garcia, info@psipc.org, or (760) 773-2575.
About the Programming:
On January 27, 2025, at The Club at Morningside, Palm Springs International Piano Competition will officially herald the beginning of their 2024-25 Season with an exciting tribute to the legacy of Peggy Craves entitled, Virtuoso Voyage featuring the keyboard pyrotechnics of Nathaniel Zhang, winner of the 2019 Junior Division Competition. Proceeds from this highly anticipated annual benefit support vital education programming and Competition offerings across the Institution. The evening’s performance of solo piano works begins with a lively cocktail reception followed by a gourmet dinner prepared by award-wining executive chef, Luke Patterson.
Launched last season, PSIPC and Friends has quickly established itself as one of the concert highlights of the year. Showcasing the remarkable talents of PSIPC’s Board of Directors, the 2024-25 event will be expanded to include high-profile musical guests from throughout the Coachella Valley and beyond. The concert takes place on February 27, 2025, at St. Margaret’s Episcopal Church and features many celebrated and well-known music compositions, as well as new works by PSIPC President of the Board of Directors and noted composer, Joe Giarrusso.
As an homage to one of the world’s most well-known performers—and one of the Coachella Valley’s most prominent musical stars—PSIPC presents The Return of David Maiocco as Liberace an encore performance of last season’s sold-out event. Ticket holders will be ushered into Piazza de Liberace, the famed pianist’s palatial estate, for an immersive evening of opulence and sparkling music making. True to the over-the-top costumes, style and panache, David Maiocco recreates the legend that is Liberace, with his humor, vocals and unique presentation. This engaging experience is like no other and takes place on March 20, 2025. Audience members are urged to buy tickets well in advance.
The 2025 Palm Springs International Piano Competition (Junior Division) is undoubtedly the crown jewel of the season. From April 11-21, 2025, the eyes of the world will be on the Coachella Valley when 25 young pianists, aged 13-17, chosen from what is expected to be more than 100 applicants, come to Palm Springs to compete for more than $30,000 in cash prizes. This life-changing experience is instrumental for young artists as they begin their quest for a professional career in music, and audience members get a rare opportunity to see history in the making.
Held over the course of 10 days, some of the most talented young classical pianists on the international scene will perform live across three elimination rounds held at Temple Isaiah in Palm Springs. Each round, adjudicated by world-renowned judges, will decide the initial pool of pianists from 25 competitors to four. These four pianists will represent the best in their age group, and each will present a full concerto with orchestra at the final round of the Palm Springs International Piano Competition, held at the prestigious McCallum Theater on April 21, 2025.
The Gold Medal winner of the 2025 Palm Springs International Competition (Junior Division) will receive $10,000, a recording session, and future concert performances throughout the U.S. over the next two seasons. Additional prizes—Silver Medal ($5,000), Bronze Medal ($2,500), and Medal of Honor ($1,000)—will also be awarded. All Semi-Finalists who did not advance to the Finals receive $500. Other special prizes will be announced at a later date.
PSIPC Education Outreach
PSIPC offers various programs to elementary, middle and high school students by organizing performances by world-class musicians, including past Laureates of PSIPC. These offerings actively engage young people with music of all genres and are core to the mission of PSIPC.
In addition to these performance-related educational offerings, PSIPC offers hands-on keyboard classes which teach young students the rudimentary and beginner level skills of keyboard playing, as well as introducing them to basic musical concepts of rhythm, melody, and learning to read music.
Palm Springs International Piano Competition
2024-25 Season Schedule
Monday, January 27, 2025, at 4:30 pm
Annual Benefit: Virtuoso Voyage
The Club at Morningside, Rancho Mirage
Nathaniel Zhang, piano
PSIPC will honor the legacy of Peggy Cravens at its Annual Benefit, chaired by JoAnn Wellner. Proceeds will support education and Competition programs of PSIPC. Lively cocktail reception begins at 4:30 followed by the concert featuring master pianist Nathaniel Zhang and ending with a gourmet dinner prepared by award-winning executive chef, Luke Patterson.
Individual tickets are $600 for Patron and $1,000 for VIP and can be purchased by visiting psipc.org or by contacting Kimberley Garcia via email at kgarcia@psipc.org or by phone at (760) 773-2575. Ticket purchase includes a cocktail reception, concert, and dinner. VIP tickets include seating with a performer or other dignitary.
Thursday, February 27, 2025, at 6:00 pm
PSIPC & Friends
St. Margaret’s Episcopal Church, Palm Desert
Debra Pollock, mezzo-soprano
Elaine Wang Meyerhoffer, soprano
Bram Conley, French horn
Jessica Greene, piano & composer
Marco Godoy, piano & composer
Joe Giarrusso, composer
Robert Koenig, piano
Latsos Piano Duo
Giorgi Latso, piano
Anna Fedorova-Latso, piano
Michelle Fiore, soprano
John Walz, cello
Repertoire will include works by noted composer and PSIPC President of the Board of Directors, Joe Giarrusso.
Tickets range from $40 for general admission to $75 for reserved seating and a post-concert Meet & Greet and can be purchased by visiting psipc.org or contacting Kimberley Garcia via email at info@psipc.org or by phone at (760) 773-2575.
Thursday, March 20, 2025 at 6pm
The Return of David Maiocco as Liberace
Former Liberace Residence
David Maiocco, Liberace Tribute Artist
This event will be held at Piazza de Liberace – the musical icon’s former Palm Springs residence. Gold faucets, larger-than-life chandeliers, and a sleek 1960s-style bar are just a few of the stunning architectural touches that speak to the flamboyant nature of Liberace, all lovingly maintained by the host and sponsor of this unique experience, Betsy Smalley and Christine Cross.
Limited tickets for this event are $150 and can be purchased by visiting psipc.org or by contacting Kimberley Garcia via email at info@psipc.org or by phone at (760) 773-2575.
Palm Springs International Piano Competition (Junior Division)
Solo Round One: April 13-15, 2025
Temple Isaiah
Sunday, April 13, 2025, from 9:00 am – 12:15 pm
Sunday, April 13, 2025, from 1:30 pm – 4:15 pm
Monday, April 14, 2025, from 9:30 am – 12:15 pm
Monday, April 14, 2025, from 1:30 pm – 4:15 pm
Tuesday, April 15, 2025, from 9:30 am – 12:15 pm
Tuesday, April 15, 2025, from 1:30 pm – 4:15pm *
The First Round of the Palm Springs International Piano Competition (Junior Division) will feature 25 young pianists, aged 13-17, chosen from what is expected to be more than 100 applicants, who will come to Palm Springs to compete for more than $30,000 in cash prizes.
These events are free and open to the public, but registration is required. Please visit PSIPC to register or contact Kimberley Garcia via email at info@psipc.org or by phone at (760) 773-2575.
*Semi-finalists will be announced following a short deliberation.
Solo Round Two: April 16-17, 2025
Temple Isaiah
Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at 9:00 am – 11:50 am
Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at 1:00 pm -3:00 pm
Thursday, April 17, 2025, at 9:30 am – 11:50 am
Thursday, April 17, 2025, at 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm *
The Second Round of the Palm Springs International Piano Competition (Junior Division) will feature the 13 young pianists, aged 13-17, who advanced from the PSIPC (Junior Division) Solo Round One. These amazing international competitors will all come to Palm Springs to compete for more than $30,000 in prizes.
These events are free and open to the public, but registration is required. Please visit PSIPC to register or contact Kimberley Garcia via email at info@psipc.org or by phone at (760) 773-2575.
*Concerto Semi-Finalists will be announced following a short deliberation.
Concerto Semi-Final Round: April 18, 2025
Temple Isaiah
Friday, April 18, 2025 at 6:00 pm – 8:30 pm *
The Concerto Round One of the Palm Springs International Piano Competition (Junior Division) will feature seven young pianists, aged 13-17, who advanced from the PSIPC (Junior Division) Solo Round Two. These amazing international competitors will all come to Palm Springs to compete for more than $30,000 in prizes.
These events are free and open to the public, but registration is required. Please visit PSIPC to register or contact Kimberley Garcia via email at info@psipc.org or by phone at (760) 773-2575.
*Concerto Finals competitors will be announced following a short deliberation.
Final Round: April 21, 2025
Monday, April 21, 2025, at 6:00 pm
McCallum Theatre, Palm Desert
PSIPC Festival Orchestra
Peter Wilson, conductor
Four competitors who have advanced to the Finals of the Palm Springs International Piano Competition (Junior Division) will choose a concerto from a pre-determined list of works by Mozart, Beethoven, Mendelssohn or Schumann. More than $30,000 will be awarded across all four finalists. The Gold Medal winner will receive $10,000, a recording with Yamaha Artist Services New York, and important recital and concerto performances during the 2025-2027 seasons.
Tickets are $35 for general admission and $100 for premiere seating and can be purchased by visiting PSIPC.org or by contacting Kimberley Garcia via email at info@psipc.org or by phone at (760) 773-2575.
Yamaha is the official piano of the 2025 Palm Springs International Piano Competition (Junior Division).
The 2025 Palm Springs International Piano Competition (Junior Division) is generously sponsored by Julia Dennie Kauffman | Kauffman Family Foundation.
The Palm Springs International Piano Competition is a nonprofit 501(c)3 charitable organization.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
