Kevin Chen, a 20-year-old piano virtuoso from Calgary, clinched second place at the 19th International Fryderyk Chopin Piano Competition in Warsaw, with American prodigy Eric Lu seizing the top spot. Chen, among 11 finalists, showcased his talent by performing a concerto with the Warsaw Philharmonic and conductor Andrey Boreyko during the final round from October 18 to 20. This year’s competition featured 84 contenders, including five Canadians such as Victoria Wong, Ryan Wang, Eric Guo, and Athena Deng.
The victor was determined after extensive deliberations by a 17-member international jury led by American pianist Garrick Ohlsson. The prestigious first prize in the 98-year-old competition includes a cash award of 60,000 euros (approximately $98,000 CAD) and a gold medal presented by the President of Poland. Chen secured the second spot, earning a silver medal and 40,000 euros (about $65,000 CAD), while Zitong Wang from China claimed the third position, taking home a bronze medal and 35,000 euros (around $57,000 CAD).
Janet Lopinski, president and artistic director of the Canadian Chopin Society, expressed her excitement upon Chen’s achievement, emphasizing his young age and promising future. Chen’s musical journey began at the age of five, and at only eight years old, he made it onto CBC Music’s list of 30 hot Canadian classical musicians under 30. Notably, he has claimed top prizes in various prestigious piano competitions worldwide.
Currently based in Hanover, Germany, Chen’s path to the finals involved excelling in a preliminary round with 171 participants, followed by three solo recitals in October’s stages. His final performance featured Chopin’s Piano Concerto in E Minor, Op. 11, showcasing his exceptional talent and dedication to honoring the composer’s musical intentions.
Canadian pianists have a history of success at the Fryderyk Chopin Piano Competition, with previous winners including Bruce Liu, Charles Richard-Hamelin, and Dang Thai Son. The competition, held every five years around the anniversary of Chopin’s death, propels its laureates into the global spotlight, offering numerous concert engagements and recording projects. Renowned past winners of the competition include Martha Argerich, Yundi Li, and Seong-Jin Cho.
Overall, Chen’s remarkable performance at the prestigious competition has solidified his reputation as a rising star in the classical music world, garnering admiration from audiences and experts alike.
