With so many music festivals in the desert this weekend, here's a guide to help you choose

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Author: Bruce Fessier

Published: 9:44 AM PT March 26, 2019

BEST BETS

Thursday, March 28-Monday

Music month start: The Virginia Waring International Piano Competition, led by artistic director John Bayless, attracts brilliant young pianists from around the globe. Kids as young as nine play the classical repertoire with such emotional maturity and personality, you’ll be amazed to see them transform from kids to serious pianists to kids again.

Rachel Wei, 11 of Hong Kong, performs in the Junior Solo Competition Sunday during the Virginia Waring International Piano Competition Bruce Fessier/The Desert Sun

The finals begin Friday afternoon with intermediate youths up to 17 years old performing full concertos before judges and audiences at the Indian Wells Theater at CSUSB-Palm Desert. It’s free to watch. The junior and intermediate solo finals are Saturday for $25 and the event comes to a glorious close Monday at the McCallum Theatre.

This is the true beginning of music month in the desert.

Virginia Waring International Piano Competition, intermediate concerto contests 1-8:30 p.m. Friday; junior and intermediate solo competitions 5 and 7 p.m. Saturday, Indian Wells Theater, CSUSB-Palm Desert Campus, 37-500 Cook St., Palm Desert. Friday contests free, Saturday $25. Concerto finals 7 p.m. Monday, McCallum Theatre, 73-000 Fred Waring Drive, Palm Desert. $19-$99. (760) 773-2575 or vwipc.org