So why should I recommend a concert whose participants are, as of press time, yet to be determined, and whose "greatest hits" of classical music repertory will be played in a piano reduction? Apart from touting a free classical music gig and the chance to hear dazzling musicians in action, I think competitions reflect a fascinating, fundamental condition of every performer's life. Robin McCabe, director of the UW School of Music, explains this condition succinctly: "Musicians have to produce under the pressure of real time. Just as in sports, musical competition has an alluring, sometimes daunting edge in that students practice and prepare for that moment that they walk out on stage."
Competitions are an important crucible of the performing arts--a chance to reach deeply into your soul, play your ass off, and emerge not just intact, but triumphant. CHRISTOPHER DeLAURENTI
The UW Concerto Competition Concert is Mon Nov 18 at 7 pm (Meany Theatre, UW Campus, 685-8384) and is free.