2024 Competition Schedule & Tickets
The Gurwitz 2024 International Piano Competition will take place from Friday 26 January to Sunday 4 February 2024 in San Antonio, TX, USA. All four (4) rounds of the competition and a featured jazz concert are free and open to the public and several other amazing paid events make up the competition period! Check out the full schedule below along with ticket registration information & policies.
NOTE: For full event information such as parking, ticket/RSVP policies, seating, and more, please click on “More Event Info” under each event or view the sections linked below.
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Ticketing/RSVP, Parking, Entry Information & Policies
Competition Round Audience Etiquette
Grand opening
Date: Friday 26 January 2024, 7 – 9 PM CST
Location: Coates Chapel, UTSA Southwest Campus (virtual campus map)
The Gurwitz 2024 International Piano Competition officially begins with an opening showcase featuring performances by the all-star 2024 jury panel, bites & bubbly by Bistr09, and a drawing of the contestant performance order.
Sponsored by H.E. Butt Foundation
ROUND I
Dates: Saturday 27 – Sunday 28 January 2024, 1 – 4 PM & 6 – 9 PM CST
Location: Diane Bennack Concert Hall, Luella Bennack Music Center, University of the Incarnate Word
Award(s) Given: Junior Jury Award
Eliminations: 12 Contestants to 6 Semifinalists
Contestants will each perform a 50-minute recital, with 10-minute breaks between each performance. There are no program restrictions in this round so the contestant may choose freely their repertoire. A junior jury of local young pianists will judge alongside the competition jury during this round.
Performance Schedule
Saturday 27 January 2024
Yongqiu Liu (China)
Afternoon Session, 1 – 1:50 PM CST
Zihao Wu (China)
Afternoon Session, 2 – 2:50 PM CST
Chi-Jo Lee (Taiwan)
Afternoon Session, 3 – 3:50 PM CST
2-Hour Break
Young Sun Choi (South Korea)
Evening Session, 6 – 6:50 PM CST
Zifan Ye (China)
Evening Session, 7 – 7:50 PM CST
Nathan Cheung (USA)
Evening Session, 8 – 8:50 PM CST
Sunday 28 January 2024
Rachel Breen (USA)
Afternoon Session, 1 – 1:50 PM CST
Yungyung Guo (China)
Afternoon Session, 2 – 2:50 PM CST
Tatiana Dorokhova (Russia)
Afternoon Session, 3 – 3:50 PM CST
2-Hour Break
Jialin Yao (China)
Evening Session, 6 – 6:50 PM CST
Min Joo Yi (USA)
Evening Session, 7 – 7:50 PM CST
Jury Deliberation, then Junior Jury Award Winner & Semifinalists Announced
7:50 – 9 PM CST
Please note due to unforeseen circumstances, only 11 contestants will be performing this competition. Round I Day 2 Evening Session will subsequently end at least 1 hour earlier.
Performance Schedule
Note:
- Audiences are encouraged but not required to stay for the full 3-hour sessions and may leave during 10-minute breaks between recitals.
- Due to unforeseen circumstances, only 11 contestants will be performing this competition. Round I Day 2 Evening Session will subsequently end at least 1 hour earlier.
| Day 1 – Saturday 27 January 2024 | Day 2 – Sunday 28 January 2024 |
| 1 – 1:50 PM CST – Yongqiu Liu (China) | 1 – 1:50 PM CST – Rachel Breen (USA) |
| 2 – 2:50 PM CST – Zihao Wu (China) | 2 – 2:50 PM CST – Yungyung Guo (China) |
| 3 – 3:50 PM CST – Chi-Jo Lee (Taiwan) | 3 – 3:50 PM CST – Tatiana Dorokhova (Russia) |
| 6 – 6:50 PM CST – Young Sun Choi (South Korea) | 6 – 6:50 PM CST – Jialin Yao (China) |
| 7 – 7:50 PM CST – Zifan Ye (China) | 7 – 7:50 PM CST – Min Joo Yi (USA) |
| 8 – 8:50 PM CST – Nathan Cheung (USA) | 7:50 – 9 PM CST – Jury Deliberation, then Junior Jury Award Winner & Six Semifinalists Announced |
Sponsored by Enterprise Holdings Foundation
ROUND II
Date: Tuesday 30 January 2024, 1 – 4 PM & 6 – 9:30/10 PM CST
Location: Diane Bennack Music Hall, Luella Bennack Music Center, University of the Incarnate Word (virtual campus map)
Award(s) Given: Best Performance of a Work by Spanish or Latin Composer
Elimination: 6 Semifinalists to 3 Finalists
Six semifinalists will each perform a 50-minute recital, with 10-minute breaks between each performance. Semifinalists must perform at least one (1) work by a composer from their own country of origin, and at least one work from a composer of Latin-American or Spanish origin.
Performance Schedule
Semifinalist 1
Afternoon Session, 1 – 1:50 PM CST
Semifinalist 2
Afternoon Session, 2 – 2:50 PM CST
Semifinalist 3
Afternoon Session, 3 – 3:50 PM CST
Semifinalist 4
Evening Session, 6 – 6:50 PM CST
Semifinalist 5
Evening Session, 7 – 7:50 PM CST
Semifinalist 6
Evening Session, 8 – 8:50 PM CST
Jury Deliberation & Finalists Announced
8:50 – 9:30/10 PM CST
Performance Schedule
Note: Audiences are encouraged but not required to stay for the full 3-hour sessions and may leave during 10-minute breaks between recitals.
| Semifinalist 1 – Afternoon Session, 1 – 1:50 PM CST |
| Semifinalist 2 – Afternoon Session, 2 – 2:50 PM CST |
| Semifinalist 3 – Afternoon Session, 3 – 3:50 PM CST |
| Semifinalist 4 – Evening Session, 6 – 6:50 PM CST |
| Semifinalist 5 – Evening Session, 7 – 7:50 PM CST |
| Semifinalist 6 – Evening Session, 8 – 8:50 PM CT |
| Jury Deliberation & Finalists Announced, 8:50 – 9:30/10 PM CST |
Sponsored by Rachel and Jonathan Gurwitz
Dionne warwick
Gurwitz 2024 Honorary Chair
Date: Wednesday 31 January 2024, 7:30 PM CST (Doors at 6:30 PM)
Location: Majestic Theatre
Legendary pop icon and The Gurwitz 2024 Honorary Chair Dionne Warwick performs!
NOTE: This event is ticketed by the Majestic & Empire Theatres. For any questions regarding this concert, please contact their Box Office.
Round III
World Music Round
Date: Thursday 1 February 2024, 7 – 9 PM CST (Doors at 6 PM)
Location: Jo Long Theatre, Carver Community Cultural Center
Award(s) Given: Audience Favorite Award
The three (3) Finalists perform a solo piano work composed after 1950 and a newly commissioned chamber music work by San Antonio composer Dr. Aaron Prado titled “El Colibrí y la Cempasúchil” (The Hummingbird and the Marigold), inspired the Aztec myth that connects to Día de los Muertos. This chamber work will be performed with an ensemble including Jury chair and violinist Scott Yoo, principal members from the Mexico City Philharmonic Orchestra and bassist George Prado. The audience will text-to-vote live directly following the finalist performances to choose the winner of the Audience Favorite Award!
Sponsored by Ben Jones
Marta Sánchez
Featured Jazz Pianist
Date: Friday 2 February 2024, 7 – 9 PM CST (Doors at 6 PM)
Location: Coates Chapel, UTSA Southwest Campus
Spanish-born pianist and composer Marta Sánchez, an active member contemporary creative music scene in New York City and around the globe, will perform live in San Antonio, TX!
Sponsored by Drs. Bradley Kayser and Gemma Kennedy, Chuck and Anne Parrish, and James E. Sanders
Round IV
Piano Concerto Round
Date: Saturday 3 February 2024, 7 – 9:30 PM CST
Location: H-E-B Performance Hall, Tobin Center for the Performing Arts
Award(s) Given: Gold, Silver, and Bronze Medals
The three (3) Finalists perform full piano concertos with the Mexico City Philharmonic Orchestra under the baton of Orchestra artistic director Scott Yoo, renowned violinist and host of the PBS TV series “Now Hear This”. Winners of the Gold, Silver, and Bronze Medals are chosen.
NOTE: This event RSVP/ticket process is managed by the Tobin Center for the Performing Arts. For any questions regarding your RSVP, please contact their Box Office.
Sponsored by Malú and Carlos Alvarez & City of San Antonio Global Engagement Office and Department of Arts & Culture
Gurwitz Awards Brunch
Date: Sunday 4 February 2024, 11 AM – 1 PM CST
Location: St. Anthony Hotel
A celebration of the award winners of the competition with short performances by the three medalists and recognition of the 2024 competition supporters at the beautiful and historic St. Anthony Hotel.
Sponsored by Muriel F. Siebert Foundation
Tickets/RSVP, Check-In, Parking, & Other Policies
This section includes ticket/RSVP, parking, check-in, and any other event or venue policies. Please note that the Dionne Warwick event and Round IV’s RSVP & check-in process are not handled by The Gurwitz, but by each venue’s respective Box Office (links to each found below). Please direct any questions regarding those events to the respective Box Offices.
GRAND OPENING
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Tickets & Check-In
- Paid ticket registration will be available on this page, our event calendar, or directly on Eventbrite.
- Once you register, you will receive a ticket which will have a QR Code for event check-in.
- General Admission seating is unassigned. VIP areas may be roped/marked off.
Parking
Free parking will be available at the venue and paid garage or lot options are available nearby.
Accessibility
ADA parking, entry and seating is available.
GRAND OPENING
Tickets & Check-In
- Paid ticket registration will be available on this page, our event calendar, or directly on Eventbrite.
- Once you register, you will receive a ticket which will have a QR Code for event check-in.
- General Admission seating is unassigned. VIP areas may be roped/marked off.
Parking
- Venue Parking Lot | Free
Corner of Augusta St. and Navarro St. (link to visual map)
Around 60 regular spaces and 8 handicap spaces, ~1 min walk - Central Library Garage | $5 Flat Rate (first 2 hours free)
600 Soledad St, San Antonio, TX 78205
400 spaces, ~3-4 min walk - City of San Antonio Street Parking | Various Rates, Free after 6 PM
Throughout downtown area, must be SAPark meter.
Entry & Accessibility
ADA parking, entry and seating is available. Entry to the Coates Chapel is through the Zilker Courtyard of the complex shown on the visual map. (Please note map is facing south, not north).
ROUNDS I & II
Tickets & Check-In
- Free ticket registration will be available on this page, our event calendar, or directly on Eventbrite.
- Each of these rounds is broken up into Afternoon (1-4 PM CST) and Evening (6-9/9:30 PM CST) Sessions. During registration for each round, please choose which sessions you will be attending.
- Audiences are encouraged but not required to stay for the full 3-hour sessions and may leave during 10-minute breaks between recitals.
- Once you register, you will receive a ticket which will have a QR Code for event check-in.
Parking: Parking is FREE at the university in front of the Diane Bennack Theater (see map pointing to Theatre). Entry to this parking area can by entering from the Broadway Street entrance right across from CVS and Bill Miller BBQ, and then taking a left at the roundabout within the University campus.
Seating: General Admission seating is unassigned. VIP areas may be roped/marked off.
Accessibility: The main entrance of the buidling is ADA-accessible. In the concert hall, there are a total of six ADA wheelchair spaces available in Row A (2) and Row X (4).
Schedule Notice: Note that the Evening Session of Round I Day 2 may extend to 9:30/10 PM due to jury deliberation and semifinalist/Junior Jury Award announcement.
Other Policies: No food or drink besides water is allowed in the hall, though it is allowed in the lobby area(s).
DIONNE WARWICK CONCERT
- NOTE: This event is not ticketed by The Gurwitz International Piano Competition/Musical Bridges Around the World. Please visit majesticempire.com/events/dionne-warwick/ or contact the Majestic Theatre Box Office for any additional questions regarding tickets/seating/etc.
- Doors open 6:30PM
ROUND III
Tickets & Check-In
- Free ticket registration will be available on this page, our event calendar, or directly on Eventbrite.
- If registration fills up, all others will be subject to join a waitlist. Any ticket cancellations will be give to the first available in the waitlist.
- Seating (unassigned) opens for ticket registrants at 6 PM, and opens to waitlist at 6:30 PM.
Waitlist & Walk-ins Policies
- If ticket registration fills up, all others will be subject to join a waitlist.
- Any ticket cancellations will be given to the first available in the waitlist.
- Because it is a free event, we will open seating to anyone still on the waitlist (and any walk-ins) at 6:30 PM CST, 30 minutes before the event begins.
Parking
Parking is FREE, and available at the following spots (Link to visual parking map)
Accessibility
- ADA-accessible entrances are available on the sides of the center, not the front main entrance. See map
- ADA seating is located on the Orchestra level of the theatre, as there are no elevators to second level.
Other Policies: No food or drink besides water is allowed in the theatre, though it is allowed in the lobby area(s).
MARTA SÁNCHEZ - FEATURED JAZZ PIANIST
Tickets & Check-In
- Free ticket registration will be available on this page, our event calendar, or directly on Eventbrite.
- If registration fills up, all others will be subject to join a waitlist. Any ticket cancellations will be give to the first available in the waitlist.
- Seating (unassigned) opens for ticket registrants at 6 PM, and opens to waitlist at 6:30 PM.
Waitlist & Walk-ins Policies
- If ticket registration fills up, all others will be subject to join a waitlist.
- Any ticket cancellations will be given to the first available in the waitlist.
- Because it is a free event, we will open seating to anyone still on the waitlist (and any walk-ins) at 6:30 PM CST, 30 minutes before the event begins.
Parking
- Venue Parking Lot | Free
Corner of Augusta St. and Navarro St. (link to visual map)
Around 60 regular spaces and 8 handicap spaces, ~1 min walk - Central Library Garage | $5 Flat Rate (first 2 hours free)
600 Soledad St, San Antonio, TX 78205
400 spaces, ~3-4 min walk - City of San Antonio Street Parking | Various Rates, Free after 6 PM
Throughout downtown area, must be SAPark meter.
Entry & Accessibility
ADA parking, entry and seating is available. Entry to the Coates Chapel is through the Zilker Courtyard of the complex shown on the visual map. (Please note map is facing south, not north).
ROUND IV
Note: RSVP for this event is handled by The Tobin Center for the Performing Arts, NOT The Gurwitz. Please contact the Tobin Center Box Office for any additional questions.
RSVP Information
- Registration for this event will be an RSVP form process through the Tobin Center for the Performing Arts, available at tobincenter.org/gurwitz.
- RSVPs do NOT guarantee a ticket.
- Submitting an RSVP does NOT guarantee a ticket but grants you early access to tickets beginning at 2 PM the day of the event (as supply allows).
- Closer to the event date, RSVP’d individuals will receive a reminder that tickets will be available to be claimed at the TOBi Box office.
- Group RSVPs over 5 will be subject to approval, Tobin will notify The Gurwitz/MBAW for final approval.
Day Of Information
- Starting at 2 PM the day of the event, individuals who RSVP’d will be able to claim tickets at the TOBi Box Office as supply allows.
- Box Office lines will be organized by last name, using what was provided on the RSVP form.
- If you do not RSVP, you will not be allowed to secure tickets at this time and will be considered walk-up.
- At 6 PM, Doors will open to ticket holders (those who already claimed their tickets).
- Do not lose your ticket, if you misplace your ticket before door time, it will not be replaced.
- At 6:30 PM, any unclaimed tickets will be distributed to walk-up as supply allows.
- RSVPs who arrive after 6:30 without a ticket, may still claim a ticket if any are still available. Please keep in mind, there will no longer be a hold barring walk-ups from claiming a ticket.
- Once, all tickets are claimed, box office will close.
- All seats are General Admission (first come first seated).
- The Concert begins promptly at 7 PM.
Tobin Center Parking Garage | $15 Flat Rate
227 4th Street, San Antonio, TX 78205
510 total spaces (not all available to public), 5 min walk
Hospitality Parking, Radius Lot | $5 – 8
445 E Martin St, San Antonio, TX 78205
72 total spaces, 4 min walk
Hospitality Parking, St. Mark’s Church Parking | $27
403 E Pecan St, San Antonio, TX 78205125 total spaces, 4-5 min walk
LAZ Parking, Greyhound Lot (Lot #269) | $12 – 20
800 Navarro St, San Antonio, TX 7820532 total spaces, 4 min walk
City of San Antonio Street Parking | Various Rates, Free after 6 PM
Throughout downtown area, must be SAPark meter.
Accessibility
All entrances are wheelchair accessible. Accessible parking is available on all levels of The Tobin Center Parking Garage on a first-come, first-served basis. A drop-off area is located on Auditorium Circle to the left of The Tobin Center’s front steps. Arm-chair removable seating and wheelchair-accessible seating are available. More information on all accessibility services is available at tobincenter.org/accessibility.
Prohibited Items
- Weapons of any kind: firearms, knives, tasers, mace, etc.
- Vapes or vape pens
- Professional cameras, audio/video recorders (excluding approved personnel)
- Laser pointers, glow sticks, flashlights
- Backpacks or large bags (no larger than 12” x 12” x12”)
- Illicit substances
- Outside food or beverages
AWARDS BRUNCH (PAID TICKET EVENT)
Tickets & Check-In
- Paid ticket registration will be available on this page, our event calendar, or directly on Eventbrite.
- Once you register, you will receive a ticket which will have a QR Code for event check-in.
Parking Options
- St. Anthony Hotel valet parking | $16 per vehicle (discounted)
300 E Travis St, San Antonio, TX 78205
At hotel, covered - Hospitality Parking, St. Anthony lot | $20
202 Jefferson, San Antonio, TX 78205
150 spots, partially covered, 2 min walk - Hospitality Parking, East Travis | $10
405 E Travis St, San Antonio, TX 78205
11 spots, not covered, 2 min walk - St. Mary’s Garage | $5 Flat Rate
205 E Travis St, San Antonio, TX
~700 spots, covered, 2-3 minute walk - City of San Antonio Street Parking | Free on Sundays
Throughout downtown area, must be SAPark meter.
Accessibility
Accessible on-site parking, Property has elevators, Service Animals are Welcome
Competition Round Audience Etiquette
As you attend the competition, please be aware that the contestants will be going through a rigorous process competing in front of an international panel of judges. There is a lot at stake, including cash prizes, performing career opportunities, and professional recognition.
- Age Requirement: We ask families to not bring children under 7 years of age to competition rounds. This does not include other events.
- Entry/Exit During Rounds I & II: Enter/exit only before the start of the session or during designated breaks between contestant recitals. Attendees are encouraged but not required to stay for the full 3 hour session.
- Silence During Peformances: Turn off all electronic and cellular devices. (Even vibrating phones can be heard!), be as quiet as possible, and hold applause until each contestant has completed their last piece of the performance.
- No Interaction with Jury: Once the competition starts, do not interact with the jury at any time until Round IV finale results have been announced. Remember that the jury’s decision is final and not subject to change or appeal. Audience participation is welcome only during the Audience Favorite Award voting process during Round III.
- No Interaction with Contestants Before Their Performance
- No Flash Photography
Related Links
Competition Videos | Awards & Prizes | Contestants | Repertoire | Jury | Artistic Collaborators | Support Gurwitz | Competition History
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In Memoriam – Vladimir Bochkarev (Dedication of Gurwitz Award)
Dear friends, My beloved piano professor Vladimir Bochkarev passed away on 4 February this year in Montenegro at the age of 75. I am heartbroken. Vladimir left a tremendous musical legacy through his art and his students. He was the reason I became a pianist; he was...
Yungyung Guo Wins Gurwitz Gold!
Back to Gurwitz NewsAfter final Round IV deliberations on Saturday, judges selected winners of the Gold ($30,000), Silver ($20,000), and Bronze ($10,000) Medals based upon their performances throughout the whole competition.Results Gold - Yungyung Guo, ChinaSilver -...
2024 Jury Speak on Texas Public Radio Panel
Back to Gurwitz NewsJury Chair Scott Yoo moderated a panel conversation at Texas Public Radio during competition week with fellow jurors Sergio Tiempo, Lilya Zilberstein, and Mikhail Voskresensky, the latter who performed a Waltz in E minor (Op. posth) by Frederic...
3 Finalists Selected!
Back to Gurwitz NewsJudges have narrowed the six Round II semifinalists to three finalists to continue to Round III on Thursday, then to the final Round IV on Saturday. Finalists Young Sun Choi, South KoreaYungyung Guo, ChinaTatiana Dorokhova, RussiaAward Winner Round...