Best Wishes to Pierre van der Westhuizen

Pierre van der Westhuizen, who has served as CIPC’s President and CEO since 2011, has been named Director of the Irving S. Gilmore International Keyboard Festival and Awards.  He will move to Kalamazoo, Michigan and begin his new duties on January 2. “It has been a pleasure and a privilege to be a part of the CIPC family for these seven years,” van der Westhuizen said.  “I’ve been touched by the most wondrous music, the most dedicated individuals, and the most generous and supportive patrons one could possibly hope for.  I extend my deepest thanks to all.”
Over the course of his tenure at CIPC, van der Westhuizen transformed the competition from a single event to a fully-fledged arts organization by developing a festival approach, which now includes the CIPC for Young Artists, the CIPC Concert Series, and ArtsConnect community outreach program.  Activities include competition performances, guest artist recitals, lectures, master classes, films, chamber music, and orchestral performances.  Van der Westhuizen has been a successful fundraiser for the CIPC, almost doubling the revenue for the competition and more than doubling corporate investment for the 2017 Concert Series.
All of us at CIPC will miss Pierre’s exemplary leadership and wish him the very best in his new position.