SALES ADVISORY: There are no advanced sales and no registration is required for this free program. Tickets will be distributed at the door on Sunday, Dec. 2, starting at 11 a.m. on a first-come, first-served basis.

Hailed as the world's most prestigious jazz competition, the Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz has launched the careers of such jazz musicians including Joshua Redman, Jane Monheit, Cécile McLorin Salvant, Tierney Sutton, Joey DeFrancesco, Chris Potter, Gretchen Parlato, Ambrose Akinmusire, and Ben Williams.

In this year’s semifinals round, witness more than a dozen promising jazz pianists compete for major scholarships and a recording contract with Concord Music Group. The distinguished judging panel includes Danilo Pérez, Monty Alexander, Joanne Brackeen, Cyrus Chestnut, and Herbie Hancock, who is also the Institute’s chairman.

NOTE: The Competition Finals is a ticketed event at the Kennedy Center on Mon., Dec. 3, and includes an All-Star Concert featuring renowned jazz musicians and winners from previous competitions (purchase tickets directly from the Kennedy Center).