The jury of the 19th International Fryderyk Chopin Piano Competition, led by Garrick Ohlsson, selected 11 pianists for the final round. Poland’s Piotr Alexewicz carries national hopes as the only Polish finalist in the world-renowned contest.
The Chopin Competition, first held in 1927, remains one of the world’s oldest and most respected classical music events. Since its creation, competitors have performed only the works of Fryderyk Chopin, honoring his musical legacy through exceptional artistry and technical mastery.
Finalists Prepare to Perform Chopin’s Masterpieces
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), alongside Piotr Alexewicz from Poland.
Each performer will play Polonaise-Fantaisie, Op. 61, followed by one of Chopin’s two piano concertos — either in E minor, Op. 11, or F minor, Op. 21. They will perform with the National Philharmonic Orchestra under the baton of Andrzej Boreyka.
The finalists will perform between October 18 and 20, with sessions beginning at 6 p.m. each day.
€60,000 Prize Awaits the Winner
The winner of the 19th Chopin Competition will receive a €60,000 cash prize and a gold medal, marking one of the highest honors in the classical music world.
The competition continues to serve as a defining stage for emerging pianists, many of whom go on to achieve international acclaim. As Warsaw prepares for the final performances, anticipation grows for which pianist will join the ranks of the competition’s legendary past winners — all bound together by their devotion to Chopin’s timeless music.
