Miami-based Chopin Foundation of the U.S. announces the Ninth National Chopin Piano Competition and the 2014-15 Concert Season Schedule. Held in Miami every five years, the Competition attracts the best American pianists (ages 17 – 30) to compete for $160,000 in cash prizes during a week-long Chopin extravaganza. The Chopin for All Free Concert Series spanning two counties, plus an Intimate Chopin Salon Series on Miami Beach will present South Florida debuts by today’s rising piano stars
The National Chopin Piano Competition returns to the Miami-Dade County Auditorium next February for the first time since 2010. Held every five years since 1975, the Competition has become the “brass ring” for American pianists, especially those wishing to go on to compete at the International Chopin Piano Competition held later the same year in Warsaw, Poland. Also, the $75,000 first prize cash award this year is the highest of any piano competition in the U.S.
The Chopin Foundation is also pleased to announce the 2015 jury of nine internationally accomplished concert pianists. All nine jurors will be featured at the Competition’s Gala Opening Concert on February 20, 2015, also held at the Miami-Dade County Auditorium: Augustin Anievas (Jury Chair), Sergei Babayan, Ian Hobson, Krzysztof Jablonski, Kevin Kenner, Dean Kramer, Jon Nakamatsu, Katarzyna Popowa-Zydron, and Margarita Shevchenko.
The “Chopin For All” free concert series has been offered to South Florida audiences since 1996. Five up-and-coming young pianists will make their South Florida debuts at the Main Library in Broward and at the Granada Presbyterian Church in Coral Gables. The final three programs in April, May and June will feature performances by the newly crowned National Chopin Competition laureates that will be announced at the March 1 Award Ceremony.
The Salon Series consists of two intimate concerts, each followed by a wine reception and a sumptuous dinner, held at La Gorce Country Club, 5685 Alton Road, Miami Beach. These fundraising events are open to the public and provide an excellent opportunity to meet the artists and socialize with other classical music enthusiasts in an absolutely fabulous setting. Due to the increasing popularity of the Salon concerts, advance reservations are required for these events which are truly a feast for all of the senses.
2014-15 Calendar Listings & Concert Information:
Ninth National Chopin Piano Competition
All events take place at the Miami-Dade County Auditorium, 2901 W Flagler Street, Miami
- February 20, 2015, 8 pm
Opening Gala Concert “Meet the Jurors” – tickets $45, $35 - February 21 through 26
Competition sessions – 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM, Free admission - February 28, 7 pm
Finals Part I – tickets $25, $15 - March 1, 3PM
Finals Part II & Awards Ceremony – tickets $35, $25
Chopin for All Free Concert Series
All concerts are presented in two locations: Saturdays at 3 pm at Broward County Main Library, 100 S. Andrews Ave., Fort Lauderdale, and Sundays at 3 pm at Granada Presbyterian Church, 950 University Drive, Coral Gables. Admission is Free. No Tickets Required.
- October 11 & 12, 2014 – Ivan Moshchuk, award winning young American pianist
- November 8 & 9, 2014 – Melos Buza, young exchange pianist from Kosovo
- April 25 & 26, 2015 – A new Winner of the 2015 National Chopin Piano Competition, TBA
- May 16 & 17, 2015 – A new Winner of the 2015 National Chopin Piano Competition, TBA
- June 20 & 21, 2015 – A new Winner of the 2015 National Chopin Piano Competition, TBA
The 4:00 pm Sunday concerts are followed by a wine reception and optional dinner with wine
La Gorce Country Club, 5685 Alton Road, Miami Beach. Salon Concerts are free to Chopin Foundation members, dinner $55. Non-member tickets are $45 for the concert and reception; $100 including a buffet dinner. Reservations necessary.
- November 16, 2014 – Margarita Shevchenko, internationally renowned Russian-American pianist
- April 12, 2015 – A new winner of the 2015 National Chopin Piano Competition, TBA
For tickets, reservations and information about the Chopin Foundation of the United States or how to become a member, please visit the website at www.Chopin.org or contact the organization directly at info@Chopin.org or 305-868-0624.
[Source: press release]