Wrocław – the world’s capital of pianism
Starting from March 1st to March 8th, Wrocław will become a must-visit place on the map of every classical music lover. The 1st Festival Chopin Recitals is coming – an event combining the shine of international stars, the University of Wrocław’s historical Oratorium Marianum, and a unique atmosphere while meeting the artists.
Our town has a special connection to the most prominent Polish composer. Wrocław is where, in 1830, Chopin performed one of his few public concertos. The Festival’s aim is not only to commemorate that event, but also to bring back the tradition of grand pianism at its most intimate and prestigious.
The program of the Festival consists of the winners from all the world’s most important contests. The inauguration will be graced with the performance by Philippe Giusiano, the winner of the XIII International Chopin Piano Competition, regarded as a template for all interpretations of the Polish master’s works. Critics summarize his skill: „This is exactly how Chopin played.”
The following day will bring forth the new generation of virtuosos. On March 4th, we will be able to listen to Gabriele Strata (last year’s winner of the silver medal and the audience award at the Montreal International Musical Competition, also the winner of the International Piano Competition of Rio de Janeiro) and Leonora Armellini (the star of the famous “Pianoforte” movie and the fifth best musician at the XVIII International Chopin Piano Competition)
The finale on March 8th will belong to Jonas Aumiller (the winner of the III Johanes Brahms Chamber Music Competition and the runner-up in the Hamamatsu International Piano Competition) and to Martin Garcia Garcia (who came third in the XVIII International Chopin Piano Competition, got the prize for the Best Performance of a Concerto, as well as won the first place and the Audience and the Chamber Prize in the Cleveland International Piano Competition)
The concertos will be held at Wrocław’s baroque pearl – the Oratorium Marianum hall. What is more, all the music lovers can expect something special after each recital – a gourmet banquet accompanied by the star of the show. It will be a unique occasion to informally converse with virtuosos we see on the world’s grandest stages, such as Carnegie Hall and La Scala.
The Festival is not only for listening. From March 2nd to March 3rd, piano courses will be led by Philippe Giusiano for the finest music school students. The project aims to educate young, talented people from Wrocław and all over Poland.
Schedule of 1. Festival Chopin Recitals:
1.03, 18:30 – Philippe Giusiano (Inauguration)
3.03, 18:00 – Piano students’ concerto
4.03, 17:00 – Gabriele Strata
4.03, 19:30 – Leonora Armellini
8.03, 17:00 – Jonas Aumiller
8.03, 19:00 – Martín García García
More information can be found at the event’s web page.
Translated by Weronika Wolak (student of English Studies at the University of Wrocław) as part of the translation practice
Date of publication: 13.02.2025
Added by: M.J.
