The remaining semi-finalists are Shuhei Aoshima, Tsuzumi Namikawa and Takuma Onodera from Japan, Jiyoung Kim and Hyunjin Roh from South Korea, Julie Haismann from France, Ivan Shemchuk from Ukraine, Pin-Hong Lin from Taiwan and Elia Cecino from Italy.
In the semi-finals, which begin on Tuesday, the participants perform a recital lasting from 40 to 45 minutes, consisting of a compulsory piece by contemporary Polish composer Krzysztof Herdzin and a selection of works of the candidate’s choice, plus a Mozart concerto with the Capella Bydgostiensis Chamber Orchestra under Paweł Kapuła.
An international jury, chaired by Polish pianist Piotr Paleczny, will select five pianists to progress to the final round.
Ignacy Jan Paderewski. Image: Narodowe Archiwum Cyfrowe
The prizewinners’ names will be announced on November 22.
First prize on offer is EUR 30,000, with second and third prizes respectively worth EUR 15,000 and 7,000.
Also up for grabs are special prizes, such as the Polish Foreign Minister’s Prize for the promotion of Paderewski’s music on the international stage, for the best interpretation of Paderewski’s compositions and of a Mozart concerto, as well as numerous performance opportunities, including recitals in the United States, Japan, Austria and Lithuania.
The Paderewski Competition, now in its 13th edition, is held under the honorary patronage of President Karol Nawrocki.
(mk)