Washington, DC – August 7, 2025 – The Founding Church of Scientology was proud to host the 25th Annual Piano Tournament of the Washington International Piano Arts Council (WIPAC) in its historic Embassy Building at 16th and P Streets NW.

This milestone event, titled “The Winners Classic Circle”, departed from the traditional competition format to feature past WIPAC champions from the last 24 years, granting them the rare opportunity to perform as soloists with a full orchestra—a dream cherished by pianists worldwide. The afternoon’s Marathon-style Concert welcomed all past winners, regardless of whether they planned to participate in the Ultimate Selection.

This is not the first collaboration between WIPAC and the Founding Church of Scientology. The Church previously hosted the preliminaries and semi-finals of the 21st Annual Piano Tournament in 2021 and the semi-finals of the 23rd Annual Piano Tournament in 2023.

Beth Akiyama of the Church of Scientology National Affairs Office welcomed guests and introduced the United for Human Rights program, which educates individuals on the 30 rights outlined in the United Nations’ Universal Declaration of Human Rights, spearheaded by Eleanor Roosevelt. She highlighted the day’s event as a living example of the 19th Human Right—Freedom of Expression—and shared a United for Human Rights public service announcement on the topic.

Following her remarks, WIPAC Founder and Chair Chateau Gardecki officially opened the performances. Contestants delivered stunning renditions, captivating the audience before judges deliberated to determine the event’s top honor.

For more information about WIPAC and its competitions, visit www.wipac.org.

To learn more about the Founding Church of Scientology, visit www.scientology-washingtondc.org.

Photos: 

https://photos.app.goo.gl/stBsuN3yMDXtLL4i7

https://photos.app.goo.gl/y7Y4akDjJyYdPJo48

https://photos.app.goo.gl/X17v29oTAkz6hebUA 

Media Contact:

Chas C. Smith

External Affairs Director

Founding Church of Scientology of Washington, DC

Email: externalaffairsdc@scientology.net

Phone: 202-797-9826