WARSAW, Poland (AP) – Canada’s Bruce (Xiaoyu) Liu was named the winner of the first 40,000 euros ($ 45,000) first prize at the 18th Frederic Chopin International Piano Competition on Thursday, a prestigious event that launches a global career pianists.
Canadian Wins 18th International Chopin Piano Competition | World
In this undated photo provided by Jaroslaw Golebiowski, a view of a renovated portrait of Polish composer Frédéric Chopin. A peeled portrait of Polish piano composer Frederic Chopin bought at a flea market hung modestly in a private house in Poland for nearly three decades before an expert dates the painting to the 19th century. The small painting now resides in a bank safe somewhere in eastern Poland while its owners negotiate their next steps. News of the artwork’s existence broke this week as Warsaw hosted the 18th Frederic Chopin Piano Competition. The art expert who examined the portrait says it has significant historical value, but refrained from estimating what price it might sell for.
Canadian pianist Bruce (Xiaoyu) Liu reacts after being named the winner of the first 40,000 euros ($ 45,000) prize at the 18th Frederic Chopin International Piano Competition, a prestigious event that launches the global careers of pianists. Nearly 90 pianists from around the world took part in the 18th edition of the competition which was postponed from 2020 due to the pandemic.
Pianist Bruce (Xiaoyu) Liu, right, of Canada speaks after being named the winner of the first 40,000 euros ($ 45,000) prize at the 18th Frederic Chopin International Piano Competition, a prestigious event that launches a global career pianists. Nearly 90 pianists from around the world took part in the 18th edition of the competition which was postponed from 2020 due to the pandemic.
Pianist Bruce (Xiaoyu) Liu, left, of Canada reacts after being named winner of the first 40,000 euros ($ 45,000) prize at the 18th Frederic Chopin International Piano Competition, a prestigious event that launches the global careers of pianists . Nearly 90 pianists from around the world took part in the 18th edition of the competition which was postponed from 2020 due to the pandemic.
Pianist Bruce (Xiaoyu) Liu, center, from Canada reacts after being named winner of the first 40,000 euros ($ 45,000) prize at the 18th Frederic Chopin International Piano Competition, a prestigious event that launches the global careers of pianists . Nearly 90 pianists from around the world took part in the 18th edition of the competition which was postponed from 2020 due to the pandemic.
Pianist Bruce (Xiaoyu) Liu, center, of Canada is applauded after being named the winner of the first 40,000 euros ($ 45,000) prize at the 18th Frederic Chopin International Piano Competition, a prestigious event that launched the global career of pianists. Nearly 90 pianists from around the world took part in the 18th edition of the competition which was postponed from 2020 due to the pandemic.
Pianist Bruce (Xiaoyu) Liu, right from Canada, speaks after being named the winner of the first 40,000 euros ($ 45,000) prize at the 18th Frederic Chopin International Piano Competition, a prestigious event that launches global careers pianists. Nearly 90 pianists from around the world took part in the 18th edition of the competition which was postponed from 2020 due to the pandemic.
By MONIKA SCISLOWSKA Associated Press
The jury’s announcement came just hours after Liu performed as the last participant among the 12 finalists, performing Chopin’s E minor concerto, Op. 11 with the orchestra at the Warsaw National Philharmonic Orchestra. Her inspired performance was met with huge applause.
“Oh my God. I don’t know what to say, honestly,†Liu said after winning the name.
“We dreamed with all these people here for this prestigious stage,” said the 24-year-old Paris-born player in English.
“Being able to play Chopin in Warsaw is one of the best things you can imagine, of course, so I’m really honored for this award, of course, and for the trust of this jury and for all the warmth that I have received. in recent days. â€Liu said.
The second prize and 30,000 euros ($ 35,000) went jointly to Alexander Gadjiev, representing Italy and Slovenia, and Kyohei Sorita from Japan. Gadjiev also won the Krystian Zimerman Prize of 10,000 euros ($ 11,800) for best sonata performance.
The third prize of 20,000 euros ($ 23,000) went to Spaniard Martin Garcia Garcia, who also won the prize of 5,000 euros ($ 5,800) for best concerto performance.
