Chopin 2025: Chopin Competition organisers say they welcome criticism
The organisers of the Chopin Competition take critical feedback seriously, Dr Aleksander Laskowski, the spokesperson for the Fryderyk Chopin Institute (NIFC), told PAP, adding that they are always open to constructive suggestions.
American pianist Eric Lu — chosen by a jury chaired by Garrick Ohlsson — was announced as the winner of the 19th edition of the prestigious competition. As Laskowski noted, the announcement of the winner is often met with strong reactions.
"It was the same four, ten and 15 years ago," he said. "If we look back further in the competition's history, we see that controversy and even cries of 'scandal!' have often accompanied the results — as was the case in 1965."
However, Laskowski also mentioned that there have been editions where the verdict was met with near-universal approval. This was notably the case when Polish pianists Krystian Zimerman (1975) and Rafał Blechacz (2005) won.
Reflecting on this year's competition, Laskowski described it as an event marked by great enthusiasm and emotion, drawing significant media coverage both in Poland and internationally.
He added that, alongside praise, the organisers receive criticism — often on recurring issues.
"These typically concern matters that always stir debate in this competition: the participation of jurors' students, the jury's procedures, the scoring system and the prize distribution," he explained.
"Many of the most critical comments come from those who may lack full understanding of how the competition works, yet we pay close attention to all feedback. Occasionally, these critiques contain genuinely valuable suggestions," Laskowski added.
Laskowski also said that preparations have already begun for both the centenary celebrations of the competition in 2027 and the 20th edition scheduled for 2030.
"Work is already in full swing, and we have ambitious plans. As part of the 100th anniversary celebrations, we'll also hold the third International Chopin Competition on period instruments. We'll share more details once everything is confirmed," he said.
The results of the 19th International Fryderyk Chopin Piano Competition were announced overnight from Monday to Tuesday, with Eric Lu, from the US, taking first place. Kevin Chen of Canada placed second, while Zhitong Wang of China won third prize. The fourth prize (ex aequo) went to Tianyao Liu of China and Shiori Kuwahara of Japan. The fifth prize (also ex aequo) was awarded to Piotr Aleksewicz of Poland and Vincent Ong of Malaysia. The sixth prize went to William Yang from the US.
The remaining finalists — David Khrikuli (Georgia), Miyu Shindo (Japan) and Tianyu Li (China) — received equal distinction awards granted by the Fryderyk Chopin Institute.
The 19th edition of the International Fryderyk Chopin Piano Competition, organised by Poland's Fryderyk Chopin Institute, runs from October 2 to October 23.
The Polish Press Agency is a media partner of the competition. (PAP)
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