Michał Oleszak, the only Polish semifinalist, failed to advance to the final stage.
In the finals, which are held on Friday and Saturday, the participants perform their choice of the Paderewski, Beethoven, Chopin, Brahms, Liszt, Schumann or Szymanowski concertos with the Pomeranian Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Jakub Chrenowicz.
An international jury is chaired by prominent Polish pianist Piotr Paleczny, and comprises Akemi Alink, Philippe Giusiano, Jan Jiracek von Arnim, Olga Kern, Alexander Kobrin, Ronan O’Hora, Ewa Pobłocka, and Paweł Wakarecy.
Ignacy Jan Paderewski. Image: Narodowe Archiwum Cyfrowe
The prizewinners’ names will be announced on Saturday.
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.
Founded in 1961, the Paderewski Competition is now in its 13th edition.
(mk)