Eighty one pianists from around the world have qualified for the Chopin International Piano Competition, which opens in Warsaw on 2 October.

After qualifying rounds, the list of competitors include as many as 17 young performers from Japan, 10 from Russia and 9 from China. The Polish contingent will comprise seven pianists - Fares Marek Basmadji, Marek Bracha, Jacek Kortus, Marcin Koziak, Joanna Różewska, Gracjan Szymczak and Paweł Wakarecy.

The Competition has generated an unprecedented interest. 353 pianists had sent their applications in the form of DVD recordings. A selection committee has invited 209 performers from 37 countries to come to Warsaw for a preliminary round. The jury verdict was announced on Friday night.

Founded in 1927, the Chopin Competition in Warsaw is one of the oldest and more prestigious events of its kind. It is held every five years. The 2005 winner was Poland’s Rafal Blechacz. Previous winners include Maurizio Pollini, Martha Argerich, Garrick Ohlsson and Krystian Zimerman. (mk)