Warsaw’s Chopin piano competition hits halfway point

The 18th International Chopin Piano Competition in Warsaw has reached its halfway mark as pianists battle it out for spots in the third round. It is reported by Upmp.news with reference to Polskie radio.

Forty-five pianists are taking part in the competition’s second stage, which began on Saturday and runs until Tuesday.

In it, each contestant faces the challenge of playing a 30- to 40-minute recital that must include a waltz and a polonaise.

The auditions, at the National Philharmonic in Warsaw, are being held in two sessions: a morning session starting at 10 a.m. and an evening session beginning at 5 p.m.

Twenty or so participants are expected to advance to the third stage of the competition and no more than 10 will make the finals.

The winner is expected to be announced on October 20.

Monika Pilch spoke to Michael Moran, an Australian writer and classical musician, who has been following the competition since it started on October 2.