Chopin 2025: I love contrasts in Chopin's E minor Concerto - Miyu Shindo
Japan's Miyu Shindo, one of the finalists in the 19th International Fryderyk Chopin Piano Competition, has said she was drawn to the Piano Concerto in E minor as she loves the many colours and contrasts in the piece.
Miyu Shindo opened Sunday's final. After her performance, the pianist told journalists that she was very tired. "Of course, first and foremost physically, but also mentally. It was a huge challenge to maintain full concentration until now. I'm very happy that I can now feel relief," she said.
She also spoke of her great joy at performing with the Warsaw Philharmonic Orchestra. "The orchestra gave me a lot of energy and the joy of playing music. Maestro Andrzej Boreyko was also very supportive. During rehearsal, he asked me how I wanted to play this concerto. And today I played it the way I wanted and hoped I would," she said, adding that her time on stage was a magical experience.
Miyu Shindo said that she selected Piano Concerto in E minor, Op. 11 as it contains many colours. "Its first movement is very melancholic, and the other two are completely different in character. This contrast is something I love," she said.
Asked if performing a solo piece like Polonaise-Fantasie Op. 61, followed by a concerto with an orchestra, was a significant challenge, she replied: "It was more difficult than I initially thought it would be. However, I'm still happy I could perform this programme today."
The finals of the 19th International Fryderyk Chopin Piano Competition, held Saturday to Monday, feature eleven pianists from seven countries: Piotr Alexewicz, representing Poland, 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).
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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