Russia has the largest contingent – eight pianists, followed by Poland and Japan with seven each, and South Korea – with six participants.
They have been selected in preliminary auditions from among 164 pianists representing 47 countries.
The international jury, chaired by eminent Polish pianist Piotr Paleczny, brings together prominent pianists from Russia, Spain, Finland, South Korea, Hungary and Israel. Prizewinners’ names will be announced on 19 November.
Founded in 1961, the Paderewski International Piano Competition in Bydgoszcz is being held for the 10th time.
Extraordinary career
An exhibition documenting the life and artistic and political career of Paderewski is being staged at the Jagiellonian Library in Kraków.
It coincides with the 156th anniversary of his birth (18 November) and this week’s celebrations of Poland’s Independence Day.
Exhibition curator Justyna Szymbara told the Polish Press Agency that the focus is on Paderewski’s contribution to the regaining of independence by Poland in 1918 after over 120 years of foreign rule.
She said Paderewski “used his activities as a concert pianist and the acquaintances that he established during artistic tours, including that with US President Thomas Woodrow Wilson, to promote the Polish cause. He is truly a national hero.”
The exhibition features a wide selection of Paderewski’s letters, musical manuscripts, documents, photographs and works of art.
Paderewski was one of the most outstanding personalities in modern Polish history.
Musician and statesman
A legendary pianist and composer, he was also a prominent statesman. During World War I he supported Poland’s attempts to regain independence.
In 1919, as Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister, he co-chaired the Polish delegation to the peace conference in Paris and signed the Treaty of Versailles.
Paderewski died in the United States in 1941 and, following a decision by President Franklin D. Roosevelt, was buried at Arlington Military Cemetery in Washington.
In 1992 his remains were brought to Poland and buried at St John’s Cathedral in Warsaw. (mk/pk)