The Chopin Foundation of the United States will be hosting the 10th National Chopin Piano Competition in Miami, FL from February 22 – March 1. Miami has been the home of the National Competition since 1975. Twenty six contestants from across the country will be competing in the 10th National Competition. In addition to a total of $179,000 in cash awards, the top two winners of the National Chopin Piano Competition will automatically be accepted to compete in the 2020 International Chopin Competition in Warsaw, Poland in October. The International Chopin Competition is incredibly sought after—this year, a record number of over 500 applications were submitted.
In addition to the generous $100,000 top prize, the highest award offered by any piano competition in the United States, the first prize winner is also sent on an extensive concert tour throughout the country and abroad, which is arranged by the Chopin Foundation. Further, the first prize winner receives an exclusive studio recording on the Steinway & Sons record label. This generous first prize award package is underwritten by Lady Blanka A. Rosenstiel and the Rosenstiel Foundation, Steinway & Sons and over 2 dozen presenters nationwide. Also, the travel expenses to compete in the International Chopin Competition in Warsaw are included in the six finalists’ award package.
The Chopin Foundation’s mission is twofold: to assist young, talented American pianists in their career development and in so doing, open doors to international careers; and to make classical music, especially the music of Frederic Chopin, accessible to everyone.
America’s biggest celebration of the music of Chopin is coming to Miami this February and we are excited to welcome 26 of the country’s top young classical artists to the National Chopin Piano Competition for what some are calling the ‘Super Bowl of Piano.’ And like at the Big Game, the pianists are competing for top prizes and other important awards—like who will be the Competition’s most valuable Mazurka player. As we have since 1975, we look forward to welcoming everyone to join us for the Competition where there are numerous chances for local audiences to hear brilliant young American pianists perform the most loved piano music in the world.”
– Barbara E. Muze, Executive Director of The Chopin Foundation
The Competition preliminaries, quarter and semi-finals will take place February 22 – 27, 2020 at the Miami-Dade County Auditorium. As part of the Chopin Foundation’s mission to bring classical music to all, regardless of age or socioeconomic status, these events are free and open to the public.
LIVE STREAMING: Those not able to enjoy the excitement of the Competition in person can watch professionally filmed live broadcasts on the chopin.org website. All events are free and open to the public except for these ticketed events:
February 28: Anniversary Gala Concert with Yulianna Avdeeva, the Russian pianist who won the International Chopin Piano Competition in 2010. Tickets here.
February 29 – March 1: Finals Part 1 and Part 2 with the Frost Symphony Orchestra conducted by Marzena Diakun. Tickets here.
For additional details, please visit: chopin.org/competition-events.
[Source: chopin.org, chopin.org]