Under the leadership of Garrick Ohlsson, the jury of the 19th International Fryderyk Chopin Piano Competition selected 11 pianists to advance to the final round. Poland’s Piotr Alexewicz carries the nation’s hopes into the decisive stage of the event in Warsaw.
The international music world now knows the lineup of the finalists, with Alexewicz standing as the sole Polish representative.
First organized in 1927, the competition remains one of the most respected and long-standing piano contests globally. Since its founding, the program has celebrated the legacy of Fryderyk Chopin, featuring only his compositions.
Finalists Announced for the Celebrated Piano Showcase
The chosen 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).
Contestants will open their final performances with Chopin’s Polonaise-Fantaisie, Op. 61, before presenting one of his two piano concertos — either E minor, Op. 11, or F minor, Op. 21. They will perform alongside the National Philharmonic Orchestra under the baton of Andrzej Boreyka.
The final auditions will take place between October 18 and 20, beginning each evening at 6 p.m.
Winner to Earn Top Honors and Join Music’s Elite
The pianist crowned champion will receive a €60,000 cash prize and a gold medal, marking their place in the history of classical music.
For decades, this competition has propelled exceptional artists into international acclaim, defining careers and shaping the modern interpretation of Chopin’s work.
As the final round approaches, anticipation builds in Warsaw — a city ready to celebrate the next great master of the piano.
