Hello everyone, This past week, the DIPC sent out the following statement: "The DIPC condemns the flagrant violation of international law by the Russian authorities and the horrendous war which has resulted in unimaginable pain and suffering for the Ukrainian people. We also recognise that individual artists cannot be punished for the actions of their State. The Competition has considered the recent statement by the World Federation of International Music Competitions (https://www.wfimc.org/sites/default/files/news/ukraine-statement-ilpdf the international representative organisation of which the DIPC is a member. In addition, we have listened carefully to feedback received from our key stakeholders in recent weeks. In light of these considerations, it has been deemed appropriate by the Board of the DIPC to re-extend the invitation to participate in the Quarter-Finals of this year's Competition to competitors from all countries, including Russia.” This means this petition was a success!! I am truly amazed at how many people rallied behind this cause. At the start I was hoping for maybe a hundred signatures, but we made it almost to 1500!! Incredible! Let us hope that the arts can help the world heal and that people in the future will have the wisdom not to divide us further by blaming innocent people for the actions of their state. Thank you all so much for your support! This was my first ever petition and I could not be happier right now. You did it! Much love, Leon