The 16th International Chopin Piano Competition has opened in Warsaw, with sixteen pianists from China, Spain, the United States, Russia, Japan, Korea, Canada, Germany and Australia perform today in the Philharmonic Hall.

 The international jury includes such great pianists as Martha Argerich, Nelson Freire, Bella Davidovich and Adam Harasiewicz.

Seventy eight pianists take part in the event, forty percent of whom are from Japan, China and Korea. Poland is represented by seven pianists.

The results of the competition will be announced on 20 October. The winner will receive a gold medal, a cash prize of 30, 000 euros and engagements with the New York Philharmonic and Tokyo’s NHK Symphony Orchestra.

Founded in 1927, the Chopin Competition in Warsaw is the oldest and one of the most prestigious of its kind in the world. Past winners include Davidovich, Pollini, Ohlsson, Thai Song Dang, Zimerman and Blechacz.

It is one of the highlights of the Chopin Year, the 200th anniversary of Chopin’s birth. (mk)