PALM SPRINGS INTERNATIONAL PIANO COMPETITION (PSIPC)

(Formerly The Waring)

APRIL 11-21, 2025

SUBMISSION FOR APPLICATIONS WILL OPEN ON AUGUST 15, 2024

DEADLINE FOR ALL PRE-SCREENING MATERIALS IS NOVEMBER 15, 2024

2025 JUNIOR COMPETITION (ages 13-17)

ELIGIBILITY

1.  The 2025 Junior Division of the Palm Springs International Piano Competition is open to pianists of any nationality who have reached the age of 13 by April 11, 2025, at 12:00 am, and who have not reached the age of 18 by the conclusion of the competition on April 21, 2025.
2. Previous first prize winners of the Junior Division of the former Virginia Waring International Piano Competition (Concerto or Solo Division Winners) are not eligible to compete in the 2025 Palm Springs International Piano Competition.
3. Admission to the Competition will be granted by a preliminary panel of 3 distinguished judges (to be announced).
4. PSIPC does not discriminate against any applicant based on race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin or disability.

GENERAL INFORMATION

1. The Junior Division (ages 13-17) of the Palm Springs International Piano Competition will be held from April 11-21, 2025. All live solo rounds will take place at Temple Isaiah in Palm Springs, California. Concerto finals with PSIPC Festival Orchestra will be held on April 21, 2025, at the McCallum Theatre in Palm Desert, California.
2. Contestants are responsible for paying their own travel expenses to and from Palm Springs.
3. Contestants must arrive by April 11, 2025, and should plan to stay for the entire duration of the competition.
4. If you are not a US citizen, you may need special travel documents which can often take a significant amount of time. Please contact the nearest US Embassy or US Consulate for information regarding required documentation for entry into the United States. PSIPC cannot provide applicants with entry VISAs to the US. 
5. All competition winners must give credit in future publicity for all awards won in the Palm Springs International Piano Competition.
6. The competition reserves the right, without payment of fees, to record and distribute competition recordings for media and other purposes (including online and social media) and to televise, broadcast, film, record, videotape, photograph, or live stream all stages of the competition, prize performances, and concerts.
7. By applying to the competition, the applicant agrees to abide by all the rules and regulations of the Palm Springs International Piano Competition.
8. The Competition reserves the right to make necessary updates and revisions to the rules and regulations, as agreed upon by the Artistic Committee.

HOUSING/TRANSPORT/PRACTICE

1. Each contestant (plus one parent if needed) will be offered host-family lodging, local transportation, and reasonable access to a practice piano.  This housing is provided free of charge.
2. Contestants who decline host-family housing will be responsible for their own lodging and transportation, with limited access to a practice piano.

GENERAL RULES

1. No repertoire changes or substitutions are permitted for the duration of the competition after January 10, 2025.
2. All contestants will perform their chosen programs in their entirety from memory, up to the permitted time limit.
3. All performances will be strictly timed by an official PSIPC monitor (time limits are for actual performance time and do not include breaks between pieces)
4. Semi-Final Concerto Round will be with Second Piano Accompaniment. Contestants must perform with the provided official PSIPC accompanists and will be provided with one 45-minute rehearsal.
5. All prizes will be awarded. Additional performance awards may be announced at the conclusion of the Competition. Winners are expected to honor all commitments resulting from their prizes and awards.
6. All decisions of the jury will be final. Written comments from the judges will be sent to all contestants’ teachers at the conclusion of the competition.
7. All live rounds of the Competition are open to the public.

IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER

Applications Open for Submission: August 15, 2024

Applications Close for Submission: November 15, 2024

Applicants Notified of Acceptance to Competition: No later than January 10, 2025

Live Solo Competition Rounds: April 11-19, 2025

Final Concerto Competition Round: April 21, 2025