Viña del Mar - International Musical Competition "Dr. Luis Sigall"
The International Musical Competition "Dr. Luis Sigall" traces its origins to a chance encounter in 1973 between Polish pianist Witold Malcuzynski and conductor Izidor Handler. During a Chopin tribute concert, the two formed a friendship that eventually inspired the creation of a classical music competition for young performers in Viña del Mar, Chile.
The idea was proposed to physician and music enthusiast Luis Sigall Morrison, who, with his passion for the piano, became one of the competition’s main supporters. With the backing of Viña del Mar’s then-mayor, Luis Urzúa Merino, the "First South American Music Competition" was launched in 1974. Though it began modestly, the competition soon attracted participants from countries such as Spain, the United States, and South Korea. One of the distinctive features of the competition is its rotating focus on different instrument categories, alternating annually between piano, voice, violin, cello, and guitar.
This diversity enriches the competition, drawing a wide array of talent and ensuring that each edition remains fresh and dynamic. In 1979, the competition earned recognition from the World Federation of International Music Competitions, establishing its international prestige and attracting more foreign jurors and contestants. After Luis Sigall’s death in 1982, the competition was named in his honor. The first prize was later dedicated to Izidor Handler, who passed away in 1987 while representing the competition at a federation meeting in Linz. The semifinals and finals traditionally took place at the Viña del Mar Municipal Theatre, but following damage from the February 2010 earthquake, the competition had to be relocated to various venues throughout the city. After 14 years of restoration, the 48th edition marked the competition's return to its historic home, where hopefully the future competitor will continue to perform for a southamerican public.
