Waring International Piano Competition

The Waring International Piano Competition is held biennially (every other year), and alternates between Junior and Intermediate Competitions (under age 17) and Senior Competitions (age 18-30). In 2022, the Seniors will compete in a contest postponed from the previous year. All pianists compete in the solo category, and may also compete in the concerto category. After early rounds are played out on the College of the Desert campus, the three concerto finalists take to the stage at the McCallum Theatre where they are accompanied by a full orchestra. In addition to performance opportunities, scholarships are given to the solo and concerto winners in each division.

Morning sessions at the Pollock Theater on the campus of College of the Desert, 43-500 Monterey Avenue, Palm Desert 92260 at Fred Waring Drive in Palm Desert start at 9:30 AM; and late afternoon / evening sessions start at 4 PM, unless otherwise notated. These free preliminary round sessions will occur April 10-14 where audience members are allowed to enter the hall in-between contestants. Times are subject to change as contestants advance.