Established 2001 ________________________________________________________ Dedicated to creating a Renaissance of interest in the Art of Piano Performance ♫ Making music flourish in our communities ♫ Promoting international friendship and cultural understanding through the art of classical piano music ♫♫♫ 3862 Farrcroft Drive, Fairfax, VA 22030 USA E-mail:
[email protected] Website: www.wipac.org (703) 728-7766 …………………..…………... A Message from the Chair Welcome to The Festival of Music 2013 & The 11th Washington International Piano Artists Competition Washington International Piano Arts Council (WIPAC) continues to present this celebration of music in cooperation with The George Washington Music Department, The Kosciuszko Foundation and the Embassies of Bulgaria and Portugal. The path to success in this competition was made easier and manageable by all the special people I met who supported us along the way. May I begin with a special thanks to a very special friend of WIPAC, Her Excellency Elena Poptodorova, Ambassador of Bulgaria, who has been a bright light that shines on that path. Her generosity had no bounds, always welcoming and standing ready to open the door to help us. The Embassy of Bulgaria hosts the Final Round of this year’s competition, even in her unscheduled absence. To all the pianists who came from three continents, my admiration and deep appreciation for your valor, strength, tenacity and hard work, preparing your programs and practicing many hours at the same time as maintaining a busy life of career and family! A toast! John and I consider ourselves very fortunate to be surrounded by dedicated board members and friends who continue to keep our torch burning so that we may give the pianists a place in the sky where they can showcase their amazing talents.