Chopin 2025: Chinese pianist says she feels close to Chopin

Yanyan Bao, a Chinese pianist competing in this year's International Fryderyk Chopin Piano Competition, said after her appearance in the 2nd stage of the event that she feels she has much in common with the composer and that playing his music allows her to express herself.

09.10.2025 17:11 update: 09.10.2025 17:14

Yanyan Bao. Photo: W. Grzedzinski/NIFC, K. Szlezak/NIFC

Bao, who performed during the first session of the 2nd stage on Thursday, said she felt more relaxed than in the previous round and enjoyed every moment on stage.

In the 1st stage she played, among other works, the Waltz in A-flat major Op. 42, and on Thursday she performed the Waltz in A minor Op. 34 No. 2. She said that while the A-flat major waltz was obligatory, she chose the A minor waltz simply because she loves it for its slow and expressive character.

Forty pianists from 14 countries have advanced to the second stage of the Warsaw competition, which continues until October 12.

The 19th edition of the International Fryderyk Chopin Piano Competition, organised by Poland’s Fryderyk Chopin Institute, runs from October 2 to 23.

The Polish Press Agency is a media partner of the competition. (PAP)

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