California Concerto Weekend is now:
California CONCERTO FESTIVAL for Amateur Pianists
CCF2020
January 16 - 19, 2020
(Application deadline for performers: November 15, 2019. Online application available now!)
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Amateur pianists, 25 years of age or older who are non-professional pianists are eligible to participate . Twelve to fourteen pianists will be accepted to participate as performers based on their video applications. All accepted performers will receive a 50-minute lesson with one of the CCW piano faculty, a meeting with the orchestra conductor, up to a 20-40 minute rehearsal (depending on concerto selection) with the CCF Orchestra, and a performance in the final concert with the orchestra. There will also be masterclasses for all performers with a member of the CCW faculty and accompanying second pianist. A welcome reception and panel discussion on solo concerto performance will open the workshop.
For those looking for performing with orchestra for the first time or for more experienced performers, this is an excellent opportunity for you. Some performers who are preparing of other upcoming performance or competitions such as the Cliburn Amateur Competition can gain valuable experience performing their concerto here first in January.
For 2020, we'd also like to showcase those performers who are performing a concerto movement by Beethoven as part of the Beethoven 250 anniversary during a special portion of the final concert. Please see the application page for the complete list of all available concertos by all composers.
A limited number of Active Auditors may also be offered to those not accepted as performers. Active auditors get all benefits of the lessons, meetings, discussion and read through with the orchestra but without the masterclasses and final performance with orchestra.
General auditors are also encouraged to attend.
All events will be held at West Valley College in Saratoga, CA. West Valley College was the first ALL-Steinway School in California. Practice rooms all have Steinway upright pianos, and some Steinway "B" pianos will be available for practice. All lessons are on Steinway Model "B" pianos and the final performance
is on a Steinway Model "D"
Due to upcoming construction at West Valley College, the 2021 CCF will be held at Mission College in a smaller venue. We will focus on works for smaller orchestra and piano. We are announcing this now in order to allow participants to plan ahead. More information to come in January 2020.
Thanks to our sponsors for their support and generosity. Please see them below.
If you would like to find out about sponsorship opportunities or to donate, please click on the Donate button below.
CCW 2020 Faculty
"Thank you so much for the opportunity of participating in CCW. It has been a wonderful and memorable experience for me in my life “
- Millie Luk, performer 2018
"...a well-paced, fascinating, educational event. Nothing could be better for the adult amateur."
- Tony Cantrick, performer 2013, 2014
"...from the moment I walked into the first group meeting until the end of the post-concert reception I had a fantastic time! ..... I was inspired by all the talent and made a bunch of new friends. Thank you all for a great weekend!"
-Eugene Lee, performer 2016
"Besides the wonderful music making, it was just a great group of people!"
- Patricia Gunther, performer 2016
For more information, phone 408-855-5276, or email joseph.ordaz@missioncollege.edu
All artists, guests, events and schedule times subject to change.