Feb 3, 2026 12:10 AM
In Memoriam: Ken Peplowski, 1959–2026
Ken Peplowski, a clarinetist and tenor saxophonist who straddled the worlds of traditional and modern jazz, died Feb. 2…
Applications for the 2023 competition are due July 31. This year’s event will focus on the piano.
(Photo: Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz)Applications for the 2023 Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz International Competition are due by July 31, with a finals event to take place on Oct. 14–15.
Open to musicians age 30 and under from across the globe, this year’s competition will shine a spotlight on the piano. At stake is more than $150,000 in scholarships and prizes, including a $50,000 first place award, $25,000 second place and $10,000 third place.
The Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz International Competition has played a pivotal role in identifying, empowering and promoting the next generation of jazz musicians, educators and influencers. The competition has launched the careers of major jazz artists including saxophonist Joshua Redman; vocalists Cécile McLorin Salvant, Jane Monheit and Jazzmeia Horn; pianist Kris Bowers; bassist Ben Williams; and trumpeter Ambrose Akinmusire. These artists and dozens more from past competitions have forged successful careers as performing and recording artists, as well as music educators helping to perpetuate America’s legacy of jazz.
The application for the 2023 Piano Competition can be found at hancockinstitute.org. Location for the finals will be announced in the coming weeks. Prospective entrants can submit any questions to Leonard Brown at lebrown@hancockinstitute.org or by phone at (202) 364-7272. DB
Peplowski first came to prominence in legacy swing bands, including the final iteration of the Benny Goodman Orchestra, before beginning a solo career in the late 1980s.
Feb 3, 2026 12:10 AM
Ken Peplowski, a clarinetist and tenor saxophonist who straddled the worlds of traditional and modern jazz, died Feb. 2…
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