Chopin 2025: Taking part in the competition was a childhood dream - William Yang
American pianist William Yang said it had been a lifelong dream to take part in the International Fryderyk Chopin Piano Competition, following his performance in the second stage of the event on Sunday.
Yang, who closed the second stage of the competition, described the programme as highly demanding. While not fully satisfied with his performance, he said he was glad to have expressed what he felt on stage.
He added that the repertoire for this round was technically challenging and included the Barcarolle in F-sharp major, Op. 60, which he described as a piece that allowed for a wide range of interpretations.
Reflecting on the significance of the event, Yang said he had followed the competition since childhood and had long aspired to participate. Despite the intense pressure, he called the experience a tremendous honour.
The 19th edition of the International Fryderyk Chopin Piano Competition, which runs from October 2 to October 23, is organised by Poland's Fryderyk Chopin Institute.
The third stage of the auditions will begin on Tuesday at 10am and will last until October 16. Twenty pianists will each present a one-hour recital featuring a selected sonata and a cycle of mazurkas, along with additional works by Fryderyk Chopin.
The Polish Press Agency is a media partner of the competition. (PAP)
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