Chopin 2025: Female pianists better convey Chopin music's emotions - Shiori Kuwahara
Japanese Pianist Shiori Kuwahara said after her performance in the second stage of the the 19th International Fryderyk Chopin Piano Competition in Warsaw on Friday that female pianists can better convey the emotionality of Chopin's music.
Talking to reporters she said that she felt tired but also excited to be performing on the National Philharmonic stage again.
Asked how she felt about being one of the eight women who qualified for the second stage, Kuwahara said that she had participated in competitions where only one or two women had played. "So I'm not surprised. I think male pianists have an advantage over female pianists."
"However," she added, "in the music of Fryderyk Chopin, which is very tender and emotional, it is women who are more capable of conveying those feelings. So I'm happy to have seven 'sisters' in this stage."
Kuwahara also said that all of Chopin's works are difficult, including technically.
"Chopin is technically different from other composers. As pianists, we have to adapt our technique and playing," she said.
Forty pianists from 14 countries are competing in the second stage of the Chopin Competition. Auditions continue until Sunday, and the names of the musicians qualified for the third stage will be announced on that evening.
The 19th edition of the International Fryderyk Chopin Piano Competition runs from October 2nd to 23rd. It is organised by the Fryderyk Chopin National Institute.
The Polish Press Agency is a media partner of the competition. (PAP)
