C Minor, put it in C Minor. Starting Friday, Jan. 26 through Sunday, Feb. 4, San Antonians can see a mix of free and paid concerts by domestic + international musicians in the quadrennial Gurwitz International Piano Competition. From young adult prodigies to a concert by pop icon and Gurwitz 2024 Honorary Chair, Dionne Warwick, here’s what you need to know about this musical event.
About the competition
The Gurwitz International Piano Competition (formerly known as The San Antonio International Piano Competition) was founded in 1983 by Dr. Richard Ferguson, Ruth Jean Gurwitz, and a group of music lovers. The mission of the competition is to discover + highlight the next generation of pianists. Since then, the four-year annual event has seen contestants from across the world.
The musical contest showcases the piano abilities of 12 musicians from around the world who were selected by an international panel of instrumentalists. The performers have a chance at Gold, Silver, and Bronze Medals as well as cash prizes.
Must-see performances
Ready to see some musical talent? We are too, here’s some of the events we are looking forward to:
Grand Opening Concert | Friday, Jan. 26 | 7-9 p.m. | UTSA Southwest Campus | $75 | Celebrate the beginning of the competition with a performance by the 2024 judges panel and students.
Round I | Saturday, Jan. 27 + Sunday, Jan. 28 | Various times | University of the Incarnate Word | Free | See 12 musicians perform in the first round of voting.
Dionne Warwick | Wednesday, Jan. 31 | Majestic Theatre | 7:30 p.m. | $49-$370 | Watch this pop-superstar perform as an honorary guest of the competition.
Marta Sánchez | Friday, Feb. 2 | 7-9 p.m. | UTSA Southwest Campus | Free | Catch a performance by this New York City-based jazz musician + composer.