Two Russian pianists – Nikolay Khozyainov and Yulianna Avdeeva – and bookies’ favourite Ingold Wunder of Austria play finals of the International Chopin Competition, Tuesday.

They will all perform the E minor Concerto, with the National Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Antoni Wit.

Wunder is thought to be one of the main candidates for the top prize.

In his review of yesterday’s auditions, John Allison, chief music critic of the Sunday Telegraph (UK), wrote in the Chopin Express, the competition’s daily gazette: “In the F minor Concerto Poland’s only hope in the finals, Paweł Wakarecy delivered a performance that was likeable in many ways, not least in the unadorned lyricism of the Larghetto and dancing mazurka rhythms in the finale.

“Evgeni Bozhanov [of Bulgaria] gave a graceless interpretation [of the Concerto in E minor], marked by some aggressive accents. His performance gradually calmed down, and most of the finale was lively, at least until a scramble at the end; but his histrionic gestures were unconvincing and he looked as if was auditioning for a Hollywood movie about a concert pianist.”

The Chopin Competition ends tomorrow, with the final jury verdict expected in the late evening hours.

Next week, the winner will give a concert in Warsaw with the New York Philharmonic. (mk)