The 19th International Fryderyk Chopin Piano Competition is underway in Warsaw, after the world’s most gifted young pianists converged on the Polish capital for one of the most prestigious prizes in classical music. This year’s edition is particularly special, as it marks the centenary of the competition, which for decades has stood as a symbol of Poland’s cultural heritage and Chopin’s enduring legacy. The competition, held every five years, officially commenced on Thursday at the Warsaw National Philharmonic and is set to captivate audiences throughout the month. Pianists under 30 years old from 19 countries are participating, including 28 from China, 13 from Japan, and 13 from Poland. Sixty-six were chosen from live preliminary auditions in May, while 19 secured automatic entry thanks to their prize-winning performances at major international contests. The first prize winner will receive €60,000 and a gold medal, with a total prize pool exceeding €240,000. The path to the main stage was rigorous, with a record 642 applicants from 28 countries submitting recordings earlier this year; only the most outstanding advanced to the Warsaw rounds. The road to the finals The contest is divided into several stages. The first round takes place from October 3 to 7, followed by the second round from October 9 to 12. The third round will take place from October 14 to 16, before a special commemoration on October 17 marking the 176th anniversary of Chopin’s death. The climactic final is scheduled for October 18-20, after which the winners will perform in three prize concerts held on October 21, 22, and 23. Overseeing the competition this year is an international jury chaired by Garrick Ohlsson, the U.S. pianist who won the 1970 edition and who also served as a juror during the 2015 edition. At a news conference at Warsaw’s Royal Castle on Tuesday, Ohlsson described what the 17-member panel of judges will want to hear from the young musicians. “Chopin without magic is dry as dust. But Chopin without structure and compositional integrity will also make you sick,” he said. Watch the event live For those unable to attend the performances at the Warsaw Philharmonic, the entire event will be broadcast for free. In Poland, audiences can tune in via TVP Kultura, Polskie Radio Dwójka, and Polskie Radio Chopin. International viewers can follow every stage online through the official YouTube channel of the Fryderyk Chopin Institute and on the competition’s website.
