Chopin Competition Opens in Warsaw   

• From Oct. 2 to 23, the 19th International Fryderyk Chopin Piano Competition will take center stage in Warsaw, drawing young pianists eager to continue the legacy of past winners. Widely regarded as one of the world’s most prestigious music contests, the competition showcases emerging talent on the global stage. The Warsaw Philharmonic’s opening gala set a high standard. Former winners Bruce Liu, Yulianna Avdeeva, Garrick Ohlsson, and Dang Thai Son performed with the National Philharmonic Orchestra under Andrzej Boreyko. The program ranged from Bach, Saint-Saens, and Poulenc to Chopin’s Polonaise in A major, demonstrating the skill and artistry that current competitors aspire to achieve. Preliminary rounds were held earlier this year. In April and May, 171 pianists from 28 countries auditioned at the Philharmonic’s Chamber Hall. They were selected from a record 642 applicants, many of whom were musicians from China, Japan, South Korea, Italy, Canada, and Poland. The jury advanced 84 pianists to the October stages. The main competition unfolds in three rounds: Oct. 3-7, Oct. 9-12, and Oct. 14-16. Warsaw will celebrate Chopin’s 176th birthday on Oct. 17, followed by the finals beginning Oct. 18. Winners will be announced Oct. 20, then perform in the three laureates’ concerts from Oct. 21 to 23. The total prize fund exceeds €240,000 (about 39.4 million won). The top prize of €60,000 (roughly 9.86 million won) comes with a gold medal. Beyond monetary rewards, laureates gain international exposure through concert tours, offering transformative opportunities for aspiring pianists to launch global careers. Sean Jung R&D Division Director teen/1760056159/1613367716