The auditions for the 19th International Fryderyk Chopin Piano Competition began on 3 October, 2025. Eleven of the highest-rated pianists performed in the Finals. Accompanied by the Warsaw Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Andrzej Boreyko, each of them performed one of Fryderyk Chopin's two piano concertos and Polonaise-Fantasy, Op. 61.A record number of over 640 young artists from the farthest corners of the world applied to participate in the 19th Chopin Competition. 162 people took part in the preliminary rounds, while 84 performers from 19 countries competed in the main competition . The verdict was announced in the early hours of October 21st, with USA's Eric Lu winning the Grand Prix.
Lu, 27, is an internationally recognised pianist. He previously competed in Warsaw at the International Chopin Piano Competititon in 2015, taking fourth prize, and in 2018 won the Leeds International Piano Competition.
He has since performed in major concert halls worldwide and recorded two albums for Warner Classics, featuring works by Chopin, Schubert, Schumann and Brahms.Speaking to Polish Radio 2 he shared his impressions on his favourite Chopin's works.
Howver the jury’s verdict, prompted an emotional response from the audience at the Warsaw Philharmonic Hall, with many expressing disappointment.