An expert jury led by Garrick Ohlsson has chosen 11 outstanding pianists to advance to the final stage of the 19th International Fryderyk Chopin Piano Competition in Warsaw. Local attention now focuses on Poland’s Piotr Alexewicz, the nation’s only remaining contestant.
The announcement confirmed the elite group of finalists who will compete for one of the world’s most celebrated classical music honors. Established in 1927, the competition remains one of the oldest and most respected events for pianists, showcasing only the works of Fryderyk Chopin.
Finalists Prepare for Chopin’s Masterpieces Under Philharmonic Baton
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 pianist will perform Chopin’s Polonaise-Fantaisie, Op. 61, followed by either the E minor, Op. 11, or F minor, Op. 21 piano concerto, accompanied by the National Philharmonic Orchestra under Andrzej Boreyka’s direction.
The final performances will take place between October 18 and 20, beginning at 6 p.m. each evening, as Warsaw prepares to welcome audiences from around the world.
Top Performer to Claim Prestigious Title and Grand Prize
The winner will receive a €60,000 cash prize and a gold medal, cementing their place among the great interpreters of Chopin’s music.
Competitors will aim not only for victory but also for the legacy of joining an exclusive circle of artists who have defined the Chopin tradition.
As the final days approach, anticipation grows across the classical world — eager to discover who will emerge as Chopin’s next great storyteller.
