XVIII International Chopin Competition, Warsaw Events Schedule https://app.box.com/s/3nvk44oqo5hpwdpreaw1alu92n2ikpkf * * * * * * * * * * The result announcement being made by Mr. Arthur Sklener, Director of the National Fryderyk Chopin Institute. The entire jury are ranged behind him. The wait for the announcement of the results took a very long time - it was finally made at 2.00 am - which indicated the difficulty the jury were having in making a final decision. Ex aequo decisions are always time-consuming. I was so tired and my legs were giving out standing around on the cold marble floor! There was one major surprise which in a way brings into question my entire criteria for judging performances of Chopin. That was the complete exclusion from the prizes of Eva Gregoryan. This really needs to explained to me in detail by a jury member. Looking at the Chopinesque qualities of other competitors that gained prizes, although of course I do not deny they deserve awards, h
Statement on the 76th Festival by the Artistic Director Piotr Paleczny Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen, I again have the honour to welcome all the magnificent and steadfast friends of the Duszniki Festival. Today we inaugurate the Chopin Festival for the 76th time. Unfortunately, we again meet in Duszniki in conditions that only vaguely remind what we have become accustomed to over all these years. Just like a year ago, the festival we’ve prepared was ridden with massive uncertainty, amongst the dynamic changes of the pandemic, extreme emotions, and concerns, but also the hope that we will perhaps succeed with what we have found a highly risky task, at times downright unfeasible. I hope that after a range of the necessary corrections of the previous assumptions, the festival will finally follow its final plan. I would like to apologise for all the inconveniences, hindrances, and surprising situations that may occur due to the continuing pandemic. All the limitations and the n
Please Click on Photographs to Enlarge - a far superior result Chopin in the Drawing Room of Prince Antoni Radziwill, Henryk Siemieradzki 1887 And so the 16th International Fryderyk Chopin Competition begins in Warsaw, arguably the most important event in the Chopin Year 2010. It runs from 30 September - 23 October 2010 I can hardly believe that five years have passed since I attended every single performance by every pianist in 2005. I shall not be doing that again this year. I have heard rather too much Chopin already in this bicentenary year. In 2005 I found the decision of the jury and the politicking as the pianists moved from stage to stage absolutely inexplicable to the point of questioning my own musical judgement. I now know a great deal more of what transpires ‘behind the scenes’ at this competition and I am afraid it is not as straightforward a contest as it appears. I have a suspicion that many young pianists of outstanding talent are n