The jury of the 19th International Fryderyk Chopin Piano Competition, led by Garrick Ohlsson, selected 11 pianists for the final round. Local pride now rests on the shoulders of Piotr Alexewicz, the only Polish finalist in this year’s competition.
The Chopin Piano Competition, founded in 1927, remains one of the world’s oldest and most respected classical music contests. It celebrates the genius of Fryderyk Chopin, whose works form the competition’s entire repertoire.
Since its beginning, the competition has honored pianists who master Chopin’s complex, emotional compositions, making it a career-defining stage for rising stars.
Global Talent Takes Center Stage in Warsaw
Alongside Alexewicz, ten other pianists will compete for the top prize. The finalists include Kevin Chen (Canada), David Khrikuli (Georgia), Shiori Kuwahara (Japan), Tianyou Li (China), Eric Lu (United States), Tianyao Lyu (China), Vincent Ong (Malaysia), Miyu Shindo (Japan), Zitong Wang (China), and William Yang (United States).
Each finalist will begin their performance with Chopin’s Polonaise-Fantaisie, Op. 61, followed by a piano concerto performed with the National Philharmonic Orchestra under Andrzej Boreyka. The finalists can choose between Chopin’s Concerto in E minor, Op. 11, or Concerto in F minor, Op. 21.
The finalists’ performances will take place at 6 p.m. daily from October 18 to 20, filling Warsaw with Chopin’s timeless sound and spirit.
Winner to Receive Gold Medal and €60,000 Prize
The competition’s winner will receive a €60,000 cash prize and a gold medal, recognizing their mastery of Chopin’s work and artistic excellence.
Over the decades, the Chopin Piano Competition has launched the careers of some of the world’s most celebrated pianists. This year’s finalists now stand on the same historic stage, competing not only for victory but for a place among the great interpreters of Chopin’s music.
As Warsaw prepares for the final round, anticipation builds across Poland and beyond. For Alexewicz, the only home competitor, the coming days could mark a defining moment in his musical journey.
