AAF-catalogue-2017

China | Beijing
An Introduction of the 1st Beijing International
Fryderyk Chopin
Beijing International Fryderyk Chopin Piano Competition
for Young Pianists is a world level piano competition which
is strictly in accordance with the international rules of the
music & art competition, with the juries of top-level
pianists and piano educationists, is currently rare in China.
It is one of the most famous, most strict and most
authoritative top-level international piano competitions.
As a sister event of Poland International Chopin Piano
Competition, it is also known as the “Piano Olympics”.
The 1st Beijing International Fryderyk Chopin Piano Competition for Young Pianists had been successfully held in the
newly built Opera & Concert Hall of Central Conservatory of Music. The Competition was hosted by Central
Conservatory of Music; organized by Beijing 21st Century China-Poland Culture & Arts Exchange Center, Poland
Warsaw Fryderyk Chopin Institute and The Oriental Music (Beijing) Co. Ltd. Yu Feng, President of Central
Conservatory of Music was the Chair of Organizing Committee and Artistic Director. In order to assure the fairness
and authority of the competition, the juries were 11 famous pianists including Katarzyna Popowa-Zydron (Poland),
Wu Ying (China), Dag Achatz (Sweden), John O'Conor (Ireland), Dan Zhaoyi (China), Andrzej Jasiński (Poland),
Cyprien Katsaris (France), Johannes Kropfitsch (Austria), Piotr Paleczny (Poland), Mikhail Voskresenskii (Russia), Dina
Yoffe (Israel). Li Yundi was the promotion ambassador of this competition and had performed in the opening
ceremony. More than 100 participants from China, America, Russia, Poland, Australia, Korea, Lithuania and Japan etc.
had joined this competition. Through layers of selection, nearly 60 participants came to the main competition in
Beijing.
It was the first time that a Chinese piece had been listed as designated repertoire, by which the “Chinese Style”
had been introduced to the world's stage. Eight sessions of Master class had been held during the competition,
through which the piano students had a chance to listen to the masters' advice. After the highly competitive
competition, participants from China, Poland, Australia and Korea won the first 6 prizes, Adam Mickiewicz Institute
Award, President of Fryderyk Chopin University Award, the Best Performance of a Chinese Piece, the Best
Performance of a Polonaise, the Best Performance of a Mazurkas and Beijing 21st Century China-Poland Culture &
Arts Exchange Center Award.
China has a big population of Piano students. With the economic growth and development, a renaissance in
studying piano has been inspired continuously. The success of the 1st Beijing International Fryderyk Chopin Piano
Competition for Young Pianists had not only big influence in promoting of classical music and fine arts, but also
played a very positive role in cultural exchange, fusions and development between Eastern and Western countries.
With 200 years history, Chopin's music together with the humanism and patriotism it brings had already become the
heritage of the world. Today, it is settled down in China, which has 5000 years of cultural history, and will blossom
for sure. Chopin's music is not only the link of friendship between China and Poland, but also the bridge of world
civilization. We believe that with continuous development of Chopin Competition, it must become a symbol of Music
and Cultural exchange among the world and gain much more harvest and surprise.
108 | Piano Competitions Worldwide 2017