The Washington International Competition (WIC), established in 1950, is held for singers, pianists, string players, and composers. WIC competitions for singers, pianists, and string players are held each spring in annual rotation. The WIC composers’ competition, established in 1976, is held every 3 years for the composition of a string quartet, piano quartet, piano quintet, piano trio, or string trio. Through the authority of its judges, high musical standards, and the quality of young artists attracted, the WIC offers—both in the United States and abroad—a significant opportunity for young artists to step upward from the ranks of talented students to recognition as professionals. Winners of these competitions have gone on to win other important contests and achieve distinction on concert and opera stages. Winners receive substantial cash awards and the opportunity to perform in recital or as soloist with orchestras in prestigious Washington venues. Applicants for performance competitions are first auditioned from MP3 recordings submitted electronically to our online application site. Those accepted as semifinalists are invited to come to Washington, DC, to compete before a panel of judges composed of outstanding performers, distinguished teachers, and others of recognized stature in various music fields. The semifinals and finals are open to the public free of charge—a great opportunity to hear promising young artists in a varied program. Applicants for the composition competition submit musical scores electronically to our online application site. The winning composition is publicly performed by professional musicians during the WIC finals.
