http://www2.polskieradio.pl/eo/dokument.aspx?iid=141725
Chopin competition - final round begins tonight
18.10.2010
Two Russians and contestants from Poland and Bulgaria appear before an international jury tonight, beginning the final stage of the International Chopin Piano Competition in Warsaw, with Bulgarian and Austrian pianists emerging as favourites.
Poland’s Paweł Wakarecy will perform the F minor Concerto and the remaining three pianists – the E minor Concerto, with the National Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Antoni Wit.
Ten pianists have qualified to the final stage.
Polish music critics are unanimous in their opinion that the overall artistic level of the competition is higher than five years ago. A very strong Russian contingent is particularly noticeable.
However, it is Ingolf Wunder of Austria and Evgeni Bozhanov of Bulgaria who are tipped at the top favourites.
After the third stage of the event, Krzysztof Komarnicki wrote in the Chopin Express, the daily gazette of the Chopin Competition: “Two phenomenal pianists moved to the forefront – Evgeni Bozhanov and Ingolf Wunder; each with a completely different approach to Chopin. I don’t think anyone doubts that one of them will be the winner; perhaps they will even share first place?. Bozhanov’s palette of colours was amazing and the scope of his dynamic nuances enchanting. He was a master of both time and silence.”
The jury’s verdict will be announced on Wednesday and the prize winners’ concerts will be held on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. (mk)