The jury of the 19th International Fryderyk Chopin Piano Competition, chaired by Garrick Ohlsson, selected 11 pianists for the final round. Local hopes now rest on Poland’s Piotr Alexewicz, the only Polish performer to advance.
The classical music world turned its attention to Warsaw, where the names of the finalists were officially announced. The competition, launched in 1927, remains one of the oldest and most prestigious piano contests in the world. Since its creation, participants have performed only the works of Fryderyk Chopin, celebrating his genius through generations of pianists.
Global Talent Shines in Chopin’s Eleven
The finalists joining Alexewicz 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 pianist will begin with Polonaise-Fantaisie, Op. 61, before performing one of Chopin’s piano concertos — E minor, Op. 11 or F minor, Op. 21. They will perform alongside the National Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Andrzej Boreyka.
The competition’s tradition of exclusive Chopin repertoire continues to test not only technique but also interpretation, demanding deep understanding of the composer’s emotional range.
Prestigious Prize Awaits the Winner
The winner of the 19th Chopin Competition will earn a €60,000 cash prize and a gold medal, solidifying their place among the world’s leading pianists.
The final performances will take place in Warsaw from October 18 to 20, beginning each evening at 6 p.m. Audiences around the globe eagerly await the outcome of one of classical music’s most revered events, where artistry, precision, and passion meet on one of the world’s most celebrated stages.
