A group of South African professionals, led by Dr Danre Strydom from the UFS, has partnered to institute an International Woodwind Competition (IWC) in 2022 to reinvigorate and complement the South African classical music fraternity for advanced woodwind players (university and young professionals). For this competition, international entries are also welcomed to benchmark South African woodwind musicking to global standards. The board of the IWC envisions the sustained legacy of this project beyond only 2022. The competition was established to contribute to the vibrancy of the national/international piano, strings and vocal competitions that South Africa hosts. Our country has a rich history of performance excellence, and we believe that this competition can provide a platform for our woodwind players to perform, grow and help launch their performance careers. The primary purpose of this competition is to promote the inheritance and preservation of excellent woodwind players and to encourage high standards, goal setting and rewarding young performers continuing the tradition.