Every four years, San Antonio brings brings 12 of the best emerging pianists from around the globe to compete in the Gurwitz International Piano Competition.

The honorary chair for the 2024 competition will be none other than Grammy Award-winning international pop music icon Dionne Warwick.

Additionally, the Gurwitz’s international committee of judges will be chaired by Scott Yoo, conductor and music director of the Mexico City Philharmonic Orchestra.

About the Gurwitz

The Gurwitz, hosted by Musical Bridges Around the World (MBAW), is scheduled for Jan. 26-Feb. 4 next year. In September, Musical Bridges will announce the 10 finalists moving on to compete for the gold, silver, and bronze medals — with prizes of $30,000, $20,000, and $10,000, respectively.

Founded in 1983, the Gurwitz began as the San Antonio International Piano Competition by a group of San Antonio-area music lovers. The competition was renamed to honor Ruth Jean Gurwitz (1929-2016) who was president emeritus and the guiding hand of the SAIPC.

It is also a member of the World Federation of International Music Competitions, which oversees the Van Cliburn in Fort Worth, one of the most prestigious piano competitions in the world.

Read our interview with Suhail Arastu, Director of Advancement, where he shared how SATX seeks to become the next classical music hub of international repute.

Get involved

Excited for a competition that's almost an entire year away? No worries.

MBAW’s Musical Evenings at San Fernando Cathedral series continues through the year with performances galore. Head over to Main Plaza for "From Italy with Love," featuring Italian concert pianist and 2020 Bronze Medalist Leonardo Colafelice on Sunday, March 26. Reserve your free tickets online.