A jury led by Garrick Ohlsson selected 11 outstanding pianists for the final stage of the 19th International Fryderyk Chopin Piano Competition in Warsaw. Poland’s Piotr Alexewicz carries the nation’s hopes as the sole local finalist.
The announcement revealed the world’s top emerging pianists who will now compete for one of classical music’s highest honors. Since 1927, this historic event has celebrated the artistry of Fryderyk Chopin, featuring only his timeless works in every edition.
Global Finalists Prepare to Perform for Top Honors
Alongside Alexewicz, 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).
Each contestant will perform Chopin’s Polonaise-Fantaisie, Op. 61, and one piano concerto — either E minor, Op. 11, or F minor, Op. 21. They will perform with the National Philharmonic Orchestra, directed by Andrzej Boreyka.
The final performances will take place from October 18 to 20, beginning each evening at 6 p.m., as the competition reaches its climax.
Grand Prize Awaits the Next Chopin Master
The eventual winner will receive a €60,000 grand prize and a gold medal, earning a place among the elite interpreters of Chopin’s music.
For these eleven pianists, Warsaw now becomes the stage where years of training and passion will define their artistic futures. As the world watches, one performer will rise to claim the title of the next great Chopin interpreter, securing both glory and legacy in classical music history.
