A panel led by Garrick Ohlsson selected 11 performers to compete in the final round of the 19th International Fryderyk Chopin Piano Competition. Poland’s Piotr Alexewicz remains the country’s only representative in the finale, keeping national hopes alive.
Music enthusiasts around the world now know the full list of contenders for one of classical music’s most renowned competitions, held in Warsaw.
Founded in 1927, the event ranks among the world’s most respected piano contests, dedicated solely to the music of Fryderyk Chopin. Each performer must showcase mastery of Chopin’s style, technique, and emotional depth to earn the ultimate recognition.
Global Contenders Prepare for the Final Performance
Joining Alexewicz in the final are 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 finalist will begin their performance with Chopin’s Polonaise-Fantaisie, Op. 61, before presenting one of two concertos — either E minor, Op. 11, or F minor, Op. 21. The National Philharmonic Orchestra, under Andrzej Boreyka, will accompany the competitors.
The final auditions will take place from October 18 to 20, starting at 6 p.m. each evening, drawing global attention to Warsaw’s grand stage.
Winner to Claim Glory and Gold in Historic Competition
The champion of this year’s competition will receive a €60,000 prize and a gold medal, securing a place among the world’s elite pianists.
The finalists will perform before an international audience eager to witness the emergence of the next Chopin virtuoso. Their interpretations will not only test skill but also reveal artistic individuality — a hallmark of the competition’s enduring legacy.
As Warsaw prepares for three nights of music and mastery, one question remains — who will rise as the next great interpreter of Chopin’s genius?
