CHOPIN FOUNDATION OF THE , INC. Officers & Directors Krzysztof Penderecki - Honorary Chairman Blanka A. Rosenstiel - Founder & President Olga Melin - Vice President Richard Lubman - Treasurer Renate Ryan - Secretary Directors Agustin Anievas, Roberta O. Chaplin, Norman Edelcup, Rosa Rita Gonzalez, Keith Gray, Edith Hall Friedheim, Vivianne Swietelsky Volume XXIX / Number 1 • FALL 2018 Artistic Consultants Panel Dr. Adam Aleksander, Chair Agustin Anievas, , Margarita Shevchenko TABLE OF CONTENTS Executive Director Jadwiga Viga Gewert Message from the Founder/President...... 2 Regional Councils of the Foundation Donors and Contributors...... 3 San Francisco Chopin Council - Mack McCray, President Message from the Executive Director...... 4 Northwest Chopin Council - Adam Aleksander, President Virginia Chopin Council - Robert Joskowiak, President Highlights from the 2017-2018 Season ...... 5 Scholarship Committee 2018 Frost Chopin Academy & Festival ...... 6 Dr. Adam Aleksander, Peter Miyamoto, Tian Ying 2018/2019 Chopin Concert Schedule...... 8 Advisory Board 2020 National Chopin Piano Competition Bonnie Barrett - Yamaha Artist Services Joel Harrison - American Association Rules and Repertoire ...... 9 Gary Ingle - Music Teachers National Association 2018/19 Scholarship Recipients...... 13 Ron Losby - Steinway & Sons Scholarship Program for Young Pianists...... 14 International Artistic Advisory Council Agustin Anievas, , Emanuel Ax, Jeffrey N. Babcock, The Odyssey of Chopin’s Heart, by Piotr Mysłakowski...... 15 John Bayless, Luiz Fernando Benedini, John Corigliano, Christopher T. Dunworth, Chopin Foundation Council of San Francisco...... 18 , , Bruno Leonardo Gelber, Gary Graffman, Horacio Gutierrez, Marta Istomin, Byron Janis, James Judd, Cyprien Katsaris, Zoltan Chopin Foundation Council of Northwest...... 19 Koscis, , Paloma O’Shea, Daniel Pollack, , , , Charles Wadsworth, Susan Wadsworth, Sponsors...... 20 Editorial Contributions/Donations...... 21 Polonaise is published semi-annually by the Chopin Foundation of the USA 1440 79th Street Causeway, Suite 117, Miami, FL 33141 Editorial Office: 305.868.0624 • 305.865.5150 (Fax) Cover photo: Chopin’s grave at Pere-Lachaise Cemetery (Cimetiere E-mail: [email protected] • Website: www.chopin.org du Pere-Lachaise) in , where Chopin was buried on Publisher: Lady Blanka A. Rosenstiel October 30, 1849. Executive Editor: Jadwiga Viga Gewert Editor: Barbara Muze, Marketing/Development Manager Copyright © Chopin Foundation of the United States, Inc. All rights reserved. Contributors: Adam Aleksander, Robert Joskowiak, Mack McCray, Beata Paszyc, Lynne Schaefer, Dr. Alan Walker Design: Rick Tuckerman, Zoom IQ Creative Marketing Message from the Founder and President

“Patience and perseverance have a magical effect before

which difficulties disappear and obstaclesJOHN QUINCY vanish. ADAMS”

Blanka A. Rosenstiel Founder and President

The Chopin Foundation recently made a very important announcement: in tremendous incentives to pianists and encourage music educators to foster a February of 2020 at the Tenth National Chopin Piano Competition (NCPC), love of Chopin’s music with their students. On page 13 you will meet our newly the first prize award will be $100,000 – the largest cash award of any piano awarded scholarship recipients for the 2018-19 school year. Congratulations to competition in the United States! This significant prize will be awarded to a these young pianists and their teachers. Please take a good look at their fresh brilliant young American selected by our esteemed jury. The winner young faces; among them may be the next laureates of the 2020 NCPC! will go on to represent the US at the International Chopin Competition in later that year. In addition to this handsome cash prize, the winner is I want to thank the many individuals and organizations that help to maintain automatically accepted to the Warsaw competition where all travel expenses the Chopin Foundation as a vibrant and important part of the world of are covered by the Chopin Foundation. The Foundation also organizes an . Our sponsors, members, supporters and friends continually extensive concert tour for our US champion. At this very moment there are renew my faith in our much needed mission. I would especially like to many pianists working hard to refine their keyboard skills and to master recognize our Executive Director, Jadwiga Gewert on her 25th anniversary Chopin’s beautiful music, as well as many dedicated music teachers sharing with the Chopin Foundation. Her loyalty and dedication are deeply their knowledge and nurturing these young artists so they can succeed at the appreciated. Congratulations, Jadwiga! NCPC and claim this coveted award. My sincere thanks also to Mrs. Barbara Muze who, through her assistance I invite you to read all of the details regarding prizes, rules and repertoire for to the President for the last five years, has added all of her efforts to the the 2020 NCPC announced in the special centerfold section of this Polonaise. promotion of our Chopin Foundation. We have an excellent team! And we have all of you, our generous donors and lovers of classical music; I thank To those who regularly read this magazine, you know how very dear the you all. Best wishes for a terrific school year full of hard work, patience, mission of the Foundation is to my heart, which is why we continue to offer perseverance and rich rewards.

2 // Polonaise Fall 2018 Founder Donors and Contributors Corporate Sponsors Lady Blanka A. Rosenstiel American Pianists Association Barnes International Realty Grand Benefactors Friends of Broward Libraries * Harvey & Roberta Chaplin to thoseWe whose extend vision and our support deepest have helped thanks us this year** Gray & Sons Jewelers * Dr. Carlos J. & Mrs. Carmen with our mission - to develop the next generation of great musicians! * Greater Miami Convention & Dominguez May we continue to add to this esteemed roster others Visitors Bureau * Norman Edelcup who will join us in support of our goals. Music Teachers National * Keith & Agnes Gray Association Mark & Brenda Fountain Piano Music Center /Tony Siciliano *Frank & Gloria D’Alessandro * Carlos Rivas & Maria C. Aguilera Jack & Charlotte Cohen * Marvin & Isa Leibowitz Social Citizens of Southeast Florida * Eldris De La Torre * Carole Romer & William Nigh Wendy Erickson * Janine Lennox Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits * Angie Demos * Alicja Schoonover Grecia Falcon * Richard & Terry Lubman Village of Key Biscayne *Margarita Emiliani * Peter & Lisa Seite Zevulen Fayngold * David & Olga Melin VS Miami Properties * Adam & Judit Faiwiszewski * Francesco & Inga Senis Walter Frohlich * Vivanne Swietelsky * Joseph & Lucy Felcher * Margaret Seroppian Donna Genet Yamaha Artist Services * Ligia Wiegand * Olga Figueras * Cecily Silberman Rita Green Foundations/Trusts * Roberto & Maritza Friedman * Sandra Simon Chuck Greif Benefactors Audrey Love Charitable * Ariel Garcia & Ursula Zolnierska * Bernice Sir Elyse Haberman * Pamela Jo Garrison Foundation * Margarita Garcia * Mark Snyder Martha Harsh * Rosa-Rita Gonzalez The Batchelor Foundation * Lenore Gaynor Mano & Brigitta Solinski Pedro & Margarita Hernandez * Edith Hall Friedheim Florman Family Foundation * Michael & Sonia Gleit * Clara Sredni Camille Howe * Iga Henderson Funding Arts Network * David & Lucille Godnik * Zygmunt Staszewski Helen Jacobstein * Paul and Beatriz Hicks Garvin Family Charitable * Marcia Green * Barbara Stephens Anita Kaplan * Dr. William & Frankie Hipp Foundation * Daniel & Sybille Holder * Teresa Szczepanik Charles Kereczman * Zelda Jensen Louis Leibowitz Charitable Trust * Helene Houge * Judith Taylor Rose Kruszewski * Norman & Margaretha Leathers The Rosenstiel Foundation * Renate Ryan * Chris Humberstone & * Richard & Margarita Tonkinson Dr. Joseph Lavinio * Stephen & Lorraine Sonnabend Luisa Ruffin * Duane & Liliana Treeman Sue Ellyn Long * William Hutchinson * Jacqueline Tuozzolo Ewa Mekwinski Government Support City of Coral Gables * Zbigniew & Raquel Jarosz * Gerrit & Tatiana Verburg Teresa Mestre Patrons Miami-Dade County * Alfred Jonas * Jean Warner Claire Morga * Keiko Alexander Department of Cultural * Michael & Susan Kaufman * Hadley & Jennifer Williams Li Chiung Moyant * Idelia Alvarado Affairs and Cultural Affairs * Calvin & Denise Kleinman * Bob & Julie Williamson Yrene Pares * Hilda Andrews Council, the Miami-Dade * Eva Kordos * Shelby Dennis Winstead Wojciech Putz * Drs. David Drucker & County Mayor and the * Leda Kwiatek * Lawrence Wong Augustin Recio Lynn Atkinson Board of Commissioners * Sonia & Barbara Laguna *Jerzy & Ludmila Wrobel Miriam Rodriguez Manuel & Rebecca Baez Miami-Dade County Tourist * Michael & Gail Mandler Arnold Rosenberg * Philip Balbi Development Council * Bruce Mencher Friends Eugene Ross * Jim Barklow & Erica Balogh City of Miami Beach, Cultural * Kyoko Mitsuhashi Sonia Alcazar Leonard Sanginario * George Berberian Affairs Program, Cultural * Avis Lee Neiman Marian Alperstein Isolina Santiago * Jewel Bertman Arts Council * Luciann Niebler-Spare Ada Antunez Joel & Merle Schneider * Irmengard “Ika” Bettendorf State of Florida, Department * Yolaine Numa Richard Appelbaum Lily Shapiro * Manya Blechman of State, Division of * Marta Olchyk Blossom Bakerman Eileen M. Setton * Charles & Myriam Block Cultural Affairs and the * Tiana Pierce Samuel Boldrick Samuel Smith * Andrzej Bytnar Florida Council of Arts and * Ralph & Elizabeth Piotrovsky Alice Brauer Leah Spielberg * Peter Capua Culture * B G Carter & Kay Carpenter * Luis Pujol & Esther Vidauretta Diana Brown Christine Strahan Linda Brumagin * Buddy & Dina Cohen * Daisy Richardson Migdania Vega * Chopin Foundation Member * Matt & Bonnie Rigg James Campbell Jon Verbalis Lucette Comer ** As of publication date * Carmen Cuenca * Hedy Ringger & Jolanta Bak Miriam Castellanos Maria Zayas Polonaise Fall 2018 // 3 Message from the Executive Director

As I look back at the twenty five years The Frost Chopin Festival crowned a very successful season filled I have been involved with the Chopin with twenty great concerts in South Florida. Among the performers Foundation, I am proud of how much has were such artists of international acclaim as Yves Henry from France been accomplished. The Chopin for All free and our laureate, Andrew Armstrong, in a duo performance with concert series and the Scholarship Program, violinist Frank Almond, as well as rising stars of the piano--Kate Liu, were both initiated and established during Eric Lu and Drew Petersen. And a young virtuoso, Rafal Blechacz, my tenure, and have proven to be immensely the winner of the 2005 Chopin Competition in Warsaw, and the important for young pianists as well as for the 2014 Gilmore Award Artist, delighted a Miami audience last April local audiences. in a concert presented in partnership with the Miami Friends of . This past June, the Chopin Foundation took another step in expanding its assistance I am pleased to share more good news with you. Claire Huangci, the to young pianists - the first ever Frost winner of our 2010 National Chopin Competition, won the 2018 Géza Jadwiga Viga Gewert Chopin Academy and Festival presented in Anda International Piano Competition and Rachel Kudo, our triple- Executive Director partnership with the University of Miami’s silver medalist, just recently won the 2018 J.S. Bach International Frost School of Music. I want to thank its Dean, Dr. Shelly Berg, for collaborating Piano Competition in Leipzig, Germany. And on September 15, Eric with us on this unique program. It was enthusiastically received by the students Lu, the winner of our 2015 Competition was crowned the winner of and the audience. Its success is due to the passion and hard work of all involved, the prestigious Leeds International Piano Competition. All of us at but the Frost Chopin Academy & Festival Artistic Director, Kevin Kenner, deserves the Chopin Foundation wish each of them illustrious and fulfilling a special thanks. Please see his detailed report on page six. musical careers!

Young Pianists, April 2018 concert, Miami Young Pianists, April 2018 concert, Broward

4 // Polonaise Fall 2018 Highlights from the 2017/2018 Season

APRIL 15, 2018 APRIL 17, 2018 MAY 19, 2018 Frank Almond and Andrew Armstrong Rafal Blechacz at his April 2018 concert Drew Petersen, Chopin For All Free Concert at Chopin Salon Concert

APRIL 15, 2018 APRIL 17, 2018 MAY 19, 2018 Lady Blanka with Frank Almond and Andrew Armstrong Rafal Blechacz at the Biltmore Hotel with Viga Gewert Drew Petersen with Lady Blanka, Keith and Agnes Gray and friends

Polonaise Fall 2018 // 5 2018 Frost Chopin Academy & Festival From Artistic Director, Kevin Kenner Last June Chopin’s music resonated throughout the campus of the Frost School with the Amernet String Quartet of the Chopin Piano Concertos. All above of Music (University of Miami) as talented young pianists from all over the globe mentioned teachers performed recitals, the programs of which were assembled for the first edition of the Frost Chopin Festival & Academy, made insightfully introduced by the Frost School of Music’s own Professor Emeritus, possible by the joint partnership of the Chopin Foundation of the U.S. and Dr. Frank Cooper. Legendary violinist, , also offered us a the Frost School of Music. The lush tropical vegetation of the Miami campus special performance which was supported by the Friends of Chamber Music echoed Chopin’s description of faraway Majorca 180 years ago. of Miami. And adding a bit of spice to the evenings was a piano recital by Dean of the Frost School of Music and award winning jazz pianist Shelly Berg, The twenty selected participants of the Academy had the opportunity to who played improvisations on classical themes. He also demonstrated to immerse themselves in the music of Chopin with some of the world’s most the Academy students how to improvise in the style of Chopin. sought after Chopin specialists: Dang Thai Son, Katarzyna Popowa-Zydroń, Margarita Shevchenko and Kevin Kenner. In addition to the lessons, participants Next year’s edition is scheduled for June 22 - July 2, 2019. Pianists wishing to took part in workshops, discussion groups, auditions and listened to lectures apply for a place can find further information on the Academy’s website: on Chopin by the eminent scholar Dr. Alan Walker, whose comprehensive www.frostchopinacademy.com where applications can be submitted. biography of Chopin will be published shortly. Scholarships are available. Recipients of the annual Chopin Foundation of the U.S. scholarships are automatically offered a place. For more In addition to the Academy’s educational activities, students were given the information contact me by email at [email protected] or by telephone opportunity to perform in two of the Festival concerts, including performances (305) 284-6124.

Kevin Kenner opening the Festival 6 // Polonaise Fall 2018 “I had a wonderful experience and learned so much from all the teachers . . . I now know how to improve my playing going forward. I also made lots of friends and still talk to them via Messenger all the time.” WILLIAM T.

“I had such an amazing experience at the Frost Chopin Academy this year, I definitely want to apply my scholarship towards next year’s Academy.” STEPHANIE D.

“The Frost Chopin Festival was a fantastic experience!” ANGELINE M. 2018 Chopin Frost Academy Faculty & Participants Academy Faculty Member Dang Thai Son working with Academy participant

Katarzyna Popowa-Zydron working with one of the participants Amernet String Quartet with Academy participant

Polonaise Fall 2018 // 7 2018-19 Concert Season Chopin Salon Concerts Chopin For All FREE Concerts Partnership Concerts La Gorce Country Club , 4:00 pm Underwritten by Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits 5785 Alton Rd., Miami Beach, FL 33410 and Harvey & Roberta Chaplin Slawomir Dobrzanski FEBRUARY 24, 2019 Adam Golka All Concerts are Presented in Two Locations 5:00pm NOVEMBER 18, 2018 Saturdays at 3:00 pm Chopin at Key Biscayne Broward County Main Library • 100 S. Andrews Ave., Ft. Lauderdale Award winning, - “Chopin and His internationally renowned Sundays at 3:00 pm Contemporaries” Polish-American pianist. Granada Presbyterian Church • 950 University Dr., Coral Gables

Elliot Wuu Sara Daneshpour Presented in partnership with the Village of Underwritten by: NOVEMBER 3 & 4, 2018 MARCH 23 & 24, 2019 Key Biscayne. Hilton Head International Prize winner of the 2017 ADMISSION FREE Piano Competition winner International Rubinstein Key Biscayne Community Center, Margarita Shevchenko and Gilmore Young Pianist Competition 10 Village Green Way, Key Biscayne JANUARY 20, 2019 Prize winner of the Cleveland and Chopin Kevin Kenner International Piano Lindsay & Ashley Garritson Competitions. Young Pianists Concert MAY 4, 2019 • 7:30 pm MAY 5, 2019 • 3:00 pm APRIL 27 & 28, 2019 Winner of the 1990 Selected local piano International Chopin Underwritten by Honorable Norman S. students in an all- Competition in Warsaw. Edelcup, former Mayor, City of Sunny Isles Chopin program Beach, Florida

DECEMBER 1 & 2, 2018 / Piano & Cello Presented in partnership with St. Martha’s Andrew Tyson Yamaha Concert Series. MARCH 31, 2019 Anna Miernik Tickets: www.marthamaryconcerts.org Winner of the 2015 JANUARY 12 & 13, 2019 Andrew Li La Merced at Colonial Florida Cultural Center Géza Anda Competition 3220 NW 7 Avenue, West Wynwood International Artists MAY 18 & 19, 2019 in Zürich. Top prize winning Exchange from Underwritten by Vivianne young American Swietelsky, VS Miami pianist Concert pianos generously provided by Properties Group

Salon Concerts with wine reception are FREE for Members. Non-members are Carmen Knoll also welcome: $50 (concert + reception) FEBRUARY 2 & 3, 2019 Elegant buffet dinner optional: Award winning young $60 p/p (wine & tip included) ADMISSION FREE! American pianist No tickets required for Chopin For Cocktail Attire Requested All Concert. Seating on a first-come, All artists and dates are subject to change RSVP REQUIRED: first-served basis. Plan to arrive early! 305.868.0624 • [email protected] 8 // Polonaise Fall 2018 February 22 through March 1, 2020 Opening Concert: February 21, 2020 Dade County Auditorium - Miami, FL

The National Chopin COMPETITION PRIZES First Prize $100,000 Piano Competition of the Underwritten by Blanka A. Rosenstiel and the Rosenstiel Foundation U.S. (NCPC) is designed to offer performance Second Prize $30,000 opportunities and financial support to young American pianists, Underwritten by Brenda and Mark Fountain and to enable the Prize Winners to take part in the International Third Prize $20,000 Chopin Competition in Warsaw, Poland. Underwritten by Ligia Wiegand In Memory of Joseph Wiegand Initiated in 1975 by Blanka A. Rosenstiel, and held in Miami Three finalists/non-medalists $5,000 each every five years, the NCPC’s rules reflect closely the regulations Semifinalist not advanced to the finals - $1,000 each and requirements of the International Chopin Competition in Underwritten by Sasha Gorodnitzki Foundation Warsaw, Poland. Special Prizes $2,000 each The Tenth NCPC is open to pianists holding U.S. citizenship (native Best Mazurka, Best Polonaise, Best , Best Concerto born or naturalized), born between 1990 and 2004, demonstrating Other Awards: a professional level of performance. First and Second Prize Winners: (Previous First Prize Winners of this Competition are not eligible.) Automatic admission to the XIX International Chopin Piano Competition in Warsaw in October 2020 Applications will be accepted on-line only. Application form, First Prize Winner: along with all required material, must be uploaded to the Chopin Concert tour in the United States and abroad Foundation’s designated site by November 1, 2019. Third Prize Winner: Automatic Acceptance to the Preliminary Round of the Please note that a separate application needs to be submitted to XIX International Chopin Competition in Warsaw, April 2020 the International Chopin Competition in Warsaw by December 1, Travel expenses covered by the Chopin Foundation 2019. More information at: http://konkurs.chopin.pl/en Other Finalists: All-expense-paid trip to Warsaw, Poland, to attend the Preliminary Round for the XIX International Chopin Piano Competition in April 2020, if accepted. Awards will be announced and presented on March 1, 2020.

Polonaise Fall 2018 // 9 Guidelines & Requirements for Applicants PLEASE READ ALL RULES AND REQUIREMENTS CAREFULLY BEFORE STARTING THE APPLICATION Contact the Chopin Foundation with any questions: [email protected] • 305-868-0624 Online application can be found at https://app.getacceptd.com/chopincomp Application deadline is November 1, 2019 The following MUST be uploaded along with the completed application form:

1. Proof of age and of U.S. citizenship (i.e., birth certificate, passport). pianistic capabilities to the section Jury and should be of the highest possible quality to create a positive impression. Be sure your setting and attire are professional and appropriate, your piano 2. Two letters of recommendation in support of the Competition applicant provided by pedagogues is in good tune, and the sound quality accurately reflects your musicality. For best sound quality, or outstanding music personalities. All letters must include the mailing address, email and use external microphones (mounted independently of camera). Listen to and watch the video files phone number of the recommending individual. Letters may be uploaded with the online before uploading to guarantee the quality of the recording. application - OR - the letters may be EMAILED directly by the recommending individual from their professional email address to [email protected]. Emailed recommendation letters must be 8. List of the uploaded pieces in order, including the edition of Chopin’s works used. received on or before November 1, 2019. 9. List of pieces to performed in ALL FOUR stages of the competition. List must include the edition 3. Copies of diplomas and/or certificates from schools of music, if applicable. used and exact timing of each work. 4. Three current photographs, including at least one head-shot photo, to be used in the Competition A non-refundable application fee of $125.00 will be charged at the time of application. publications (300–1200 dpi; accepted formats – jpg, gif, bmp, jpeg). The Chopin Foundation strongly recommends that applications be submitted well in 5. A short biography of the applicant (up to 1,000 characters). advance of the deadline. 6. Documents showing artistic activities and achievements for the last three years (reviews, concert Applications that are incomplete or received after the deadline will not be accepted. programs, awards, etc.). A candidate who has supplied misinformation on his/her application or on the uploaded material 7. Recent video recordings containing (a) the complete program required for Stage I of the Tenth will be automatically disqualified. National Chopin Piano Competition (see Repertoire Stage I listing), AND (b) two chosen from the following opuses: 17, 24, 30, 33, 41, 50, 56, 59. The works may be performed The Selection Jury, consisting of acclaimed American pianists, will select not more than 26 in any order, with the exception of the set of Etudes which have to be performed one after another. contestants and up to four alternates. All applicants will be notified by email of acceptance or The video image must show the pianist’s hands while playing and the right side of his/her whole rejection by January 1, 2020. , filmed with one camera without cuts during the performance of a piece. Volume control figure The candidate’s submission of his/her Competition application is considered as the candidate’s in the recording is not allowed. All pieces must be recorded in one place and at the same acceptance of the Competition Rules and means that an agreement has been concluded between Videos will be uploaded as three separate files - 1) the Etudes, 2) the time, played from memory. the Chopin Foundation and the candidate concerning all matters provided for in these Rules. Selections from # 2 and #3 and 3) the Mazurkas. All information contained in this document is correct at the time of publication. Applicants should utilize the best possible video and audio equipment to record the NOTE: However, the Chopin Foundation reserves the right to make changes if application files. These files represent the first and only opportunity for applicants to display their circumstances dictate.

10 // Polonaise Fall 2018 Guidelines & Requirements for Selected Contestants

1. Travel expenses to and from Miami are the responsibility of the contestants. They will be housed JURY in private homes. Practice facilities and local transportation will be provided. 1. The Competition Jury will consist of nationally and internationally acclaimed musicians. 2. Contestants not advanced to the next round are not obliged to stay for the remainder of the 2. Jurors will disqualify themselves in the case of contestants who are related to them or have Competition, but are invited to do so. had a direct personal or professional relationship at any time during the five years preceding 3. Contestants must arrive in Miami no later than 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 20, 2020. the Competition. 4. Upon arrival, contestants will immediately register with the Competition Office by phone or email. 3. The Jury makes final decisions as to awarding prizes and distinctions. 5. All contestants will be required to attend a briefing session on Friday (February 21) morning 4. The Jury’s decisions are final and not subject to appeal. and at the same meeting will draw numbers for the order of performance for all stages of the 5. The Competition Director’s decisions are final on all matters outside the jurisdiction of the Competition through the Semi-Finals. Competition Jury. 6. The Chopin Foundation reserves the right to produce and distribute, without restriction or fee, all recordings of the entire Competition or parts thereof, including the application recordings ADDITIONAL RULES: and Finals. All Competition performances, held in three stages and the finals, will be open to the public. 7. Sessions may, by permission of the Chopin Foundation, be broadcast live, filmed and/or recorded The Jury will advance to the second stage not more than 18 contestants, not more than 12 to the for subsequent broadcast, telecast or film documentary, and photographed by and for the press or semifinals, and up to six to the finals. for other publicity purposes, all without fee to the participants. The First-Prize Winner will be responsible to appear in all concert engagements arranged by the 8. Within the scope of the rights obtained under these Rules, the Chopin Foundation will be fully Chopin Foundation. authorized to transfer these rights to others, to grant licenses and further authorizations. The Each winner is solely responsible for reporting and paying any and all applicable taxes related contestant will not be entitled to any additional remuneration arising out of this. to the prize(s) and paying any expenses associated with any prize which are not specifically 9. The Competition Repertoire must be played from memory. provided for in the official rules. Each winner must provide the Chopin Foundation with valid identification and a valid taxpayer identification number or social security number before any 10. The texts of all available editions of Chopin’s works are admissible; however, the Chopin prize will be awarded. Any person winning over $600 in prizes will receive an IRS form 1099 at Foundation recommends the Urtext of the National Edition of the Works of Fryderyk Chopin (ed. the end of the calendar year and a copy of such form will be filed with the IRS. Professor Jan Ekier). 11. Contestants are obliged to specify in their applications the edition of Chopin’s works they will be using and the exact timing of each work. 12. A contestant may alter his/her program for any stage of the Competition by informing the Chopin Foundation of the change by January 10, 2020. 13. The same piece cannot be played in different stages of the Competition.

Polonaise Fall 2018 // 11 Repertoire The Competition repertoire includes solely works by Fryderyk Chopin. Competitors may play pieces they presented on the video recording uploaded with the application. However, the same piece cannot be played in the different stages of the Competition. Please contact the Chopin Foundation of the United States with any questions: [email protected] • 305.868.0624 Stage I - Preliminaries 1) Two Etudes, one from each group (a, b) AND in A flat major, Op. 34 No. 1 repeated; repetition of the first movement of indicated below: 3) One of the following pieces: in F major, Op. 34 No. 3 the B flat minor Sonata is optional. Ballade in G minor, Op. 23 in A flat major, Op. 42 a) 2) a full set of Mazurkas from one of the in , Op. 10 No. 1 Ballade in F major, Op. 38 in A flat major, Op. 64 No. 3 Ballade in A flat major, Op. 47 following opuses: in C sharp minor, Op. 10 No. 4 AND 17, 24, 30, 33, 41, 50, 56, 59 in G flat major, Op. 10 No. 5 Ballade in F minor, Op. 52 in F sharp major, Op. 60 3) One of the following : Mazurkas must be played in the order they are in F major, Op. 10 No. 8 Andante Spianato and Polonaise in E flat numbered in the opus. In the case of opuses in C minor, Op. 10 No. 12 Fantasy in F minor, Op. 49 in B minor, Op. 20 major, Op. 22 33 and 41 the following numbering applies: in A minor, Op. 25 No. 11 Polonaise in F sharp minor, Op. 44 Scherzo in B flat minor, Op. 31 op. 33 Polonaise in A flat major, Op. 53 b) Scherzo in C sharp minor, Op. 39 in G sharp minor No. 1 in A minor, Op. 10 No. 2 Scherzo in E major, Op. 54 or both Polonaises from Op. 26 in C major No. 2 in C major Op. 10 No. 7 4) Any other piece or pieces by Fryderyk in D major No. 3 in A flat major, Op. 10 No. 10 The pieces may be performed in any order Chopin if the hitherto performed in B minor No. 4 in E flat major, Op. 10 No. 11 except the Etudes from groups a) and b), which repertoire does not achieve the minimum in A minor, Op. 25 No. 4 have to be played one after the other. op. 41 performing time indicated below. in E minor, Op. 25 No. 5 in E minor No. 1 in G sharp minor, Op. 25 No. 6 Stage II - Quarter Finals Performing time in the second in B major No. 2 in B minor, Op. 25 No. 10 1) One of the following pieces: stage: 30–40 minutes. Should the in A flat major No. 3 Ballade in G minor, Op. 23 in C sharp minor No. 4 AND contestant overrun the time limit, the Jury Ballade in F major, Op. 38 2) One of the following pieces: may stop his/her performance. 3) Any other piece or pieces by Fryderyk Ballade in A flat major, Op. 47 Nocturne in B major, Op. 9 No. 3 Chopin if the hitherto performed repertoire Ballade in F minor, Op. 52 Competitors who played one of the Nocturne in C sharp minor, Op. 27 No. 1 does not achieve the minimum performing Barcarolle in F sharp major, Op. 60 in the first stage should choose Nocturne in D flat major, Op. 27 No. 2 time indicated below. Performing time in Fantasy in F minor, Op. 49 another genre from the first group in Nocturne in G major, Op. 37 No. 2 the third stage: 45–55 minutes. Scherzo in B minor, Op. 20 the second stage. The pieces may be Nocturne in C minor, Op. 48 No. 1 The pieces may be performed in any order Scherzo in B flat minor, Op. 31 performed in any order (except Op. 26). Nocturne in F sharp minor, Op. 48 No. 2 (except the Mazurkas and the ). Scherzo in C sharp minor, Op. 39 Nocturne in E flat major, Op. 55 No. 2 Stage III - Semi-Finals Should the contestant overrun the time limit, Scherzo in E major, Op. 54 Nocturne in B major, Op. 62 No. 1 the Jury may stop his/her performance. Polonaise-Fantasy in A flat major, Op. 61 1) Sonata in B flat minor, Nocturne in E major, Op. 62 No. 2 Op. 35 - OR - Sonata in B minor, Etude in E major, Op. 10 No. 3 AND Op. 58 - OR - all Preludes, Op. 28. Finals Etude in E flat minor, Op. 10 No. 6 2) One of the following : The exposition in the first movement One of the following Concertos: Etude in C sharp minor, Op. 25 No. 7 in E flat major, Op. 18 of the B minor Sonata should not be in E minor, Op. 11 - OR - in F minor, Op. 21 12 // Polonaise Fall 2018 2018/2019 Scholarship Recipients

Ziyao “Chelsea” Guo, Emily Cho, 14 17 Evren Ozel, 19 Jessie Liu, 15 Year 4 First Year Third Year First Year Minneapolis, MN Schaumburg, IL Darien, CT Westborough, MA New England Conservatory James B. Conant High School The Juilliard School Westborough High School of Music Piano Teacher: Pre-College Division Piano Teacher: Piano Teacher: Dr. James Giles Piano Teachers: Faina Kofman Hung-Kuan Chen Wha Kyung Byun

Stephanie Ding Katie Liu, 15 Kimberly Han, 17 Draughon, 15 Second Year Nita Qiu, 16 Third Year Second Year Pittsburgh, PA Second Year Lake Forest, IL Ashburn, VA City Music Center of Woodbury, MN Lake Forest High School Manhattan School of Music, Duquesne University, Mary Trinity School at River Ridge Piano Teachers: Pre-College Division Pappert School of Music Piano Teacher: Brenda Huang and Piano Teacher: Piano Teacher: Dr. Joseph Zins Alexander Korsantia Miyoko Lotto Natasha Snitkovsky

Leslie Jin, 15 Ishan Loomba, 16 Victor Shlyakhtenko, 16 Eliza Folkert, 17 Third Year First Year First Year Third Year Los Angeles, CA Alpharetta, GA Redwood City, CA Albuquerque, NM Colburn Community School St. John Bosco Academy Carlmont High School Early College Academy of Performing Arts Piano Teacher: Piano Teacher: Piano Teacher: Piano Teacher: Piotr Folkert Sujeeva Hapugalle Dr. Carol Leone Teresa de Jong Pombo

Avery Gagliano, 16 Azalea Kelley, 15 First Year Angeline Ma, 15 Samuel Xu, 17 Third Year Third Year New York, NY Second Year Bala Cynwyd, PA Chandler, AZ Brooklyn College Berwyn, PA Curtis Institute of Music Arizona Virtual Academy Preparatory Center Conestoga High School Piano Teachers: Piano Teacher: Piano Teacher: Piano Teacher: Gary Graffman and Fei Xu Jonathan Biss Dr. Emily White Susan Starr

Ryan Leung, 18 Issay Niki, 14 Naomi Yamaguchi, 14 Eric Gan, 15 Second Year First Year First Year Second Year Hong Kong New York, NY Acton, MA Foster City, CA Imperial College, , UK The Bronx High School New England Conservatory Aragon High School Piano Teachers: of Science Preparatory School Piano Teacher: Joan Havill and Piano Teacher: Piano Teacher: Dr. Igor Shochetman Kin-Wai Shum Dr. Igal Kesselman Hitomi Koyama

Polonaise Fall 2018 // 13 Scholarship Program for Young Pianists Attention Piano Teachers Are you teaching your students to play Chopin? The purpose of the Chopin Foundation Scholarship Program is to support We hope so! and encourage young, talented American pianists through up to four years of preparation for the National Chopin Piano Competition of the And here are a few good reasons why: United States, which is held in Miami, Florida, every five years. Renewable scholarships of $1,000 are awarded each year on a competitive basis CHOPIN PRIZES AT THE MTNA to outstanding young American pianists who demonstrate a special PIANO PERFORMANCE COMPETITIONS affinity for the interpretation of Frédéric Chopin’s music. In addition, the Scholarship Committee may grant half-awards in the amount of $500 to Since 2012, the Chopin Foundation has qualified applicants. A half-award may be granted to an applicant only awarded a “Chopin Prize” for the best once during the four-year program. performance of Chopin work to a finalist in each of two age groups of the MTNA Eligibility Piano Performance Competitions: The Scholarship Program is open to all qualified American pianists (US MTNA Junior Piano Competition: $500 Cash citizens or legal residents) not younger than 14 and not older than 17 years MTNA Senior Piano Competition: $1,000 Cash/first-year Scholarship of age on May 15 of their first year of application. with an option for renewal for up to Procedure four years, according to the Chopin Scholarship Program rules and All Scholarship applications must be submitted online. Please visit the requirements. Chopin Foundation website, www.chopin.org for complete requirements and procedures. The winners will be selected by the piano competition adjudicators at the MTNA Competition Finals. Piano competition entrants are not required to PLEASE READ ALL ONLINE INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE perform a work by Chopin as part of their competition program, but the PREPARING YOUR APPLICATION. Chopin Prizes are limited to those finalists who do.

A complete application and recording of required Chopin repertoire are CHOPIN PRIZES AT THE FLORIDA MTNA required for EACH year of the scholarship program. PIANO PERFORMANCE COMPETITIONS

Beginning in 2013, the Chopin Foundation has also awarded a “Chopin Prize” Please use the online application link to www.GetAcceptd.com. for the best performance of a Chopin work to a finalist in two age categories:

Applications, along with all attachments must be received by May 15th. FL-MTNA Junior Competition: $200 Cash Scholarships will be announced by July 15th. Please contact the Chopin FL–MTNA Senior Piano Competition: $400 Cash Foundation with any questions. Similarly, competition entrants are not required to perform a work by Chopin, THE CHOPIN FOUNDATION OF THE UNITED STATES, INC. but these prizes are offered to encourage young pianists and their teachers Phone: (305) 868-0624 to keep this wonderful body of repertoire alive and vibrant on today’s Web: www.chopin.org classical music performance stages. In this way we encourage you all to Email: [email protected] TEACH CHOPIN! 14 // Polonaise Fall 2018 The Odyssey of Chopin’s Heart by Piotr Mysłakowski

he fragile thread of Chopin’s Dziewanowska family. François Girardot had to take place in order to throw light on the poor life, beginning in the small village previously been the head surgeon in the Polish state of knowledge about the illness that ruined of Żelazowa Wola, was cut short in Cavalry Regiment in Napoleon’s army, commanded his life; but the wish for his heart to be returned to Paris in 1849. For biographers, however, by Count Wincenty Krasiński. In 1816 Dr. Girardot, Poland was made from higher, more private and the narrative does not end in France. endowed with the title of “Imperial Baron” granted personal reasons. There remains the adventurous and to him by Napoleon, and a wounded war veteran fascinating story of his heart, described in the (he lost a leg in battle), opened a medical practice His Death recent book titled Chopin’s Wandering Heart, by in Warsaw, most likely in the Krasinski Palace on At 2:00 am on the night of October 17, 1849, Piotr Mysłakowski and Krzysztof Dorcz . Krakowskie Przedmieście Street, which belonged Fryderyk Chopin died after a long struggle against to his former commandant. (Later, in 1827, the tuberculosis. In accordance with his last wishes, **** Chopin family, too, moved into the Krasiński Palace, his heart was removed by his attending physician Fryderyk’s Last Wish and may even have occupied the apartment Dr. Jean Cruveilhier, head of the Department of A few months before his death, the gravely sick vacated by Girardot, which further cemented their Anatomical Pathology at the University of Paris, Chopin convinced his beloved sister Ludwika connection with this physician.) and placed in a crystal urn filled with alcohol Jędrzejewicz to travel to Paris. Chopin’s relatives, as a preservative and hermetically sealed. It fell It is worth pointing out that in 1823 another of Dr. friends and associates recall that the dying to Chopin’s sister Ludwika, who was at Chopin’s Girardot’s patients was the future writer Klementyna composer’s last wish was that his heart be returned bedside when he died, to take the heart back Hoffman (née Tańska), who, twenty-two years later, to Warsaw, although in reality this wish was not to Warsaw. She set out in early January 1850 died not far from Paris and was buried in Père preserved in written form in any documents. in the depths of winter, and the long journey Lachaise Cemetery. Her heart was taken to Kraków Nonetheless, the wish was fulfilled and the heart was a difficult one. The train in which she was and placed in the Wawel Cathedral. Dr. Girardot indeed found its final resting place in Warsaw, but travelling had to cross three international frontiers himself died in Warsaw and was buried in the the journey to Poland met with several obstacles and various check-points on its thousand-mile cemetery in Opinogóra, while his own heart rests in which are the topic of the Odyssey which follows. route. Fearing that the crystal urn containing the the Krasiński crypt in the local church. heart might be impounded by customs officials, How can we today comprehend the dying Ludwika hid it in the folds of her clothing to avoid Fryderyk knew that if he were to die on foreign soil, composer’s wish for his heart to be returned to detection. When she finally arrived in Warsaw she a full funeral in Poland would not be possible for Warsaw? At that time, the custom of burying went straight to the home of her sister Izabella him because of political and financial reasons. What various parts of the body separately was relatively Barcińska where Mme Justyna Chopin, the was possible, however, was the return of his heart to common. Chopin was certainly aware of it during composer’s mother, also lived. It was probably Poland, a symbol of his noble feelings and his love his youth in Poland, and he very likely learned there, and later in Ludwika’s house on Podwale for his country and his family. about hearts entombed in church crypts from Street, that the heart found a temporary home friends residing in provinces, in the Ziemia Several researchers have suggested that the and was looked after by the family for several Dobrzyńska region, in Kujawy, or even in Warsaw. composer was actually afraid of being buried alive, years. As Chopin’s posthumous fame grew and but Chopin himself revealed his true reasons. A quickly assumed international proportions, The teenage composer’s acquaintance with Dr. few days after the funeral, one of his close friends, the family must have realized that the heart François Girardot (1773-1831) most likely played a Wojciech Grzymała stated in a letter that Fryderyk of Poland’s most famous composer deserved role in all of this. Fryderyk, who was Dr. Girardot’s made arrangements for a post mortem, because a more fitting resting place. It was most likely patient, mentioned his name in 1824 in his he was convinced that the medical science of the Ludwika who suggested that the heart be placed “Kuriery Szafarskie,” the humorous letters written time did not have enough information about his in the catacombs of the Church of the Holy Cross, to his parents from Szafarnia, a property of the illness1. Chopin evidently wanted the post mortem although it had neither plaque nor inscription

1 Correspondance de Frédéric Chopin, vol. 3 p.444 Polonaise Fall 2018 // 15 to identify it. It might have languished there and death, in a full dress ceremony in front of a Polish part of the intended procedure was actually to been forgotten, but a journalist named Adam Pług military guard of honor. preserve Chopin’s heart from further disintegration. discovered it there in 1878 and drew attention to The decision makers stated that “we do not wish it in an article in a Warsaw newspaper. On Sunday, This dramatic story forms the topic of our to look for disquiet during the Bicentennial year of February 29, 1880, Chopin’s heart was brought book. Based on original documentation, letters, Chopin’s birth.” into the main church, was formally consecrated newspaper articles, in-depth research conducted and placed within one of the main pillars of the in archives and libraries and illustrated with archival At the same time, the topic of Chopin’s heart building which bears an epitaph in memory of photographs and portraits, our narrative presents entered the mainstream media in countless the composer. in unprecedented detail a full account of Chopin’s press, radio and television reports, and it was wandering heart. widely reported on the internet. In countless, very emotional discussions participants sided with one 50 Years Later, The Story Continues… of two options: either the scientific examination For several years scientists from many of the heart, or no examination at all, leaving it parts of the globe have discussed the untouched forever. causes of Chopin’s death. These discussions are always based on various reports describing the symptoms of his illness. In addition to the generally accepted thesis that the illness was tuberculosis, scientists have also considered cystic fibrosis as a possible cause of the composer’s death. This genetic illness was not yet known to medical science during Chopin’s time. All that is really needed to make a final pronouncement about the cause of Chopin’s death is a microscopic sample of the tissue from his heart. This brings us to the noticeable increase Photograph of the interior of the Holy Cross Church in Warsaw - on left, Chopin Heart epitaph (1910); Copyright: Piotr Ligier/ in the interest in Chopin during the Ceremony of the return of Chopin’s heart to the Holy Cross Church, October National Museum in Warsaw years immediately preceding Chopin’s 17, 1945, in presence of Poland’s Prime Minister, Minister of Culture, and high Bicentennial anniversary in 2010, which representatives of Church Hierarchy in Poland; author: Wacław Żdżarski But the story does not end there. The bizarre also coincided with renovations of the journey which Chopin’s wandering heart seemed Holy Cross Church in Warsaw. In March 2008, Finally, very likely as a result of continuous media fated to pursue was stranger than fiction; no Prof. Michał Witt, a geneticist from Poznań, pressure, an exhumation of Chopin’s heart did take novelist could improve on the details. In yet and Prof. Tadeusz Dobosz, a criminologist place. It was conducted in total secret during the another strange twist to the story, at the height from Wrocław, inquired at Poland’s Ministry of night of April 14, 2014 by Professors Tadeusz Dobosz of the fighting in Warsaw during the WWII, the Culture and National Heritage, if a committee and Michał Witt, in the presence of the Minister heart was taken into safekeeping by a music- of experts might be permitted to examine of Culture and National Heritage; the Director of loving German officer, General Erich von dem Chopin’s heart. After consultations with the the National Fryderyk Chopin Institute, Dr. Artur Bach-Zelewski, who, even as he sheltered the relic, Church and the National Chopin Institute, the Szklener; the Archbishop of Warsaw Cardinal oversaw the slaughter of 200,000 Poles and the decision was made not to proceed. Two living Kazimierz Nycz, and others. No historians were in destruction of much of the city. The heart was relatives of Chopin expressed their opposition attendance. A few days later, Prof. Dobosz prepared finally returned to the Church of the Holy Cross on to such an examination in a written notarized the report about the examination and its findings. October 17, 1945, the 96th anniversary of Chopin’s statement, in September 2009, even though 16 // Polonaise Fall 2018 The results were made public five months In Conclusion About the later, on September 17th, during a special press The story surrounding the medical examination and Author conference organized in the Minor Basilica of its findings forms the final chapter of what I have Holy Cross. Among the participants were the called the Odyssey of Chopin’s heart. Naturally it Piotr Mysłakowski (b. Minister of Culture and National Heritage; Dr. is told in much greater detail in our finished book. 1944), a graduate of Artur Szklener; Professors Dobosz and Witt; and Meanwhile, the narrative has a five-fold purpose: the Academy of Fine representatives of the Church. Historians were Arts in Kraków, is an again not invited to attend. The proceedings of 1. To trace the exact itinerary that was followed during award winning interior the examination were relayed to the press in the heart’s transportation from Paris to Warsaw; and graphic designer, detail: namely, the opening of the church niche publisher, genealogist in the pillar, the removal of the wooden box, and 2. To establish the correct chronology of events—the and chopinologist. He from the wooden box itself the removal of the journey, the deposit in the catacombs of the Church was the Vice-President glass urn containing the heart. During the visual of the Holy Cross, the transfer of the heart to the of the International Federation of Interior examination – the container was not opened upper church, and its temporary removal during the Architects/Designers (IFI), an expert – it was noted that the heart was in very good 1944 Uprising and return to Warsaw; for UNESCO, and the Vice-President of condition. A written description was prepared, the Polish Heraldic Association. He is an and the container was measured and sealed 3. To uncover the circumstances surrounding the ordering and creation of the epitaph and the Honorary Member of the Chopin Society with additional wax. A written protocol of the of Canada. proceedings was signed by all the participants numerous changes to the inscription it now bears, as and placed in the pillar along with the container. well as changes to the small plaque covering the box As a scientific consultant for the Chopin The document recommended that the next containing the heart; Institute in Warsaw, Mr. Myslakowski played a crucial role in creating the multi-media examination should not occur for fifty years. 4. To chronicle how Chopin’s heart was used for commentary in the Chopin Museum The proceedings were photographed, but the political and propaganda purposes during the pre- in Warsaw. images of the container with Chopin’s heart war period, during the Nazi occupation, and during were not made public for ethical reasons. the subsequent Communist period, and finally: He is the author of groundbreaking books in the area of genealogy and biographical During the ensuing press conference, a photo 5. To consider whether Chopin’s heart should be research. Together with his research of the wooden box was shown. It was publicly subject to the latest scientific research in order to partner, Prof. Andrzej Sikorski, Piotr stated that the glass container is made of establish the cause of his death. crystal, it is 16 cm high and 12 cm in diameter, Mysłakowski co-authored several books and has a capacity to contain about 1,25-1,5 l Our researches, especially the ones involving devoted to Chopin, such as The Chopin’s of fluid. The level of the preservative fluid reaches contemporary newspapers, have revealed numerous Warsaw (2013) and Fryderyk Chopin. The to about 3 cm from the upper edge. The heart discrepancies among the various accounts of the Origins (2010), both available in English. above topics, and some of them have become part is pale white, slightly larger than average. On the The book Chopin’s Wandering Heart by of an official record that may have to be modified surface of the heart morphological changes are Piotr Mysłakowski and Krzysztof Dorcz is or even expunged. Overall, however, this is a subject visible, suggesting tuberculosis or inflammation ready for publication. of the pericardium (pericarditis) resulting from that is best presented from a biographical standpoint, tuberculosis. The entire Polish media reported with special attention paid to Chopin’s symptoms and these findings, stressing that the heart is well the opinions of medical experts on the true cause English translation: Dr. Slawomir Dobrzanski, preserved. of his death. Ultimately, the topic of the composer’s heart is not all that exotic or even exceptional, as the Kansas State University. The topic of Chopin’s wandering heart – at least historical accounts of the hearts of other famous Other contributors: Lynne Schaefer and for now – has been permanently closed. And the Poles make clear. Dr. Alan Walker genetic secrets of the heart will - at least for now - remain a mystery.

Polonaise Fall 2018 // 17 Chopin Foundation Council of San Francisco

The 2018-2019 season promises to be a rich FIRST AGE CATEGORY (THROUGH 9) SECOND AGE CATEGORY (10-12)

and exciting one for us in San Francisco. We First Prize Allyson Yu First Prize Ryan Wang have once again engaged the wonderful Second Prize Tristen Chen Second Prize Jacob Winefeld pianist Kevin Kenner, who will be playing the Third Prize Leo Yoshida Third Prize Celicia Thendean annual Chopin Birthday Concert on March 3rd, and will also be appearing at the Northwest Honorable Mention Leighton Ko Honorable Mention Wilson Chen Seattle chapter. Kevin has over the years Honorable Mention Catherine Jian Honorable Mention Sean Sun appeared twice before at the San Francisco Honorable Mention Haruka Fukusumi Honorable Mention Brian Lin chapter. For a period of time he studied in San Honorable Mention Jonah Tan Honorable Mention Aaron Tu Francisco, and besides loving his art, we are very proud of him. Last February’s Birthday THIRD AGE CATEGORY (13-15)

Concert featured an extremely well-received First Prize Jeston Lu performance by Eric Lu. The Winnie Tso Memorial Prize Mack McCray Second Prize Yejin Song As always, our June competition for young President Third Prize Riku Sakai pianists was exciting and interesting. It has grown so much that we must hire two sets of judges to adjudicate all Honorable Mention Anna Guan three age categories! This year’s winners were: Honorable Mention Brooke Zheng

All the winners will appear at our traditional holiday concert and party at the lovely Queen Anne Hotel on December 9th.

2018 Winners with the Board Members, Robert Bryan and Nagisa Ariza

18 // Polonaise Fall 2018 Chopin Foundation Council of the Northwest

The Northwest Council of the Chopin perform a solo piano recital for the NW Council on December 9, 2018 at the Foundation of the United States is beautiful Bastyr University Chapel (Kenmore, WA) which is known for its stunning pleased to announce the details of acoustics. Mr. Babayan is one of the leading pianists of our time, and we are the 2019 Festival (our 16th) which will honored that our organization will present this brilliant musician in concert. be held on February 9, 2019 at the Bellevue Presbyterian Church. The prize Pianist Kevin Kenner, whose artistry is recognized throughout the world, was winners’ concert will be the following the top prize-winner at the 1990 Chopin International Piano Competition and day at the same venue. Over 200 Bronze medalist at the Tchaikovsky International Piano Competition in Moscow. students of all ages will compete for He has graciously accepted our invitation to perform on February 24th, 2019, cash prizes, performance opportunities at SOMA Resonance recital hall in Bellevue, WA. This recital will be followed by (including concerts with orchestra a master class for two local piano students. Get your tickets soon for all these Dr. Adam Aleksander for concerto winners), medals and concerts as they will sell out quickly. President gifts. Our esteemed adjudicators will include Stephen Beus (faculty member, Brigham Young University), Phyllis Lehrer (Westminster Choir College of Rider University), Christos Tsitsaros (University of Illinois School of Music) and Teresa Ehrlich (Renaissance Music Academy).

Earlier this year, our 2017 Concerto Gold Medalist, Stephen Binondo (student of Judy Baker) performed the Chopin No. 2 in F Minor with the Cascade Symphony and Maestro Michael Miropolsky conducting. It was a brilliant performance and the sold-out audience gave the young pianist a long standing ovation.

After a beautiful and sold-out performance for our organization last year, we invited back Eric Lu this past July to perform Chopin’s Piano Concerto No. 2 in F Minor with the Cascade Orchestra, Michael Miropolsky conducting, and Rachmaninov’s Piano & with the brilliant Seattle cellist, Haeyoon Shin. Eric Lu, now 20 years old, is the youngest pianist invited to the Leeds International Piano Competition this year from worldwide auditions and one of the youngest winners of the 2015 Chopin Eric Lu with the Cascade Orchestra International Piano Competition in Warsaw. His concert was a profound and moving experience and we hope to have Eric perform for us again Please follow our Facebook page (ChopinCouncilNW) and visit our web page soon. (chopinnw.org) for updates and ticket information as well as beautiful and We have an exciting and busy upcoming concert schedule this year. informative articles by our Founder, Dr. Steven Lagerberg. Great thanks to all Our 2018 Concerto Division Medalist, Deanna Han (student of Dr. Sasha of our Board members for their hard work and dedication: Dr. Steven Starcevich) will perform the Chopin Concerto No. 2 in F Minor (1st mvt) with Lagerberg, Allan Park, Dr. Hanna Cyba, Judy Baker, Dr. Yelena Balabanova, the Heritage Symphony on November 10, 2018 at 3:00 pm at Meydenbauer Cathy Carpenter, Dr. Mary Chandler, Yunbo Cassady, Conney Vernall, and Center in Bellevue, WA . The world famous pianist will Dr. Nino Merabishvili.

Polonaise Fall 2018 // 19 Our Sponsors The Chopin Foundation’s programs are sponsored in part by the Rosenstiel Foundation, the Miami-Dade County Tourist Development Council, the Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs and the Cultural Affairs Council, the Miami- Dade County Mayor and the Board of Commissioners; the City of Coral Gables; the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs and the Florida Council of Arts and Culture; plus numerous generous individuals; and the following:

American Pianists Association

20 // Polonaise Fall 2018 Why I Give to the Chopin Foundation Donations “The Chopin Foundation occupies a truly unique position among piano competitions because it is for U.S. citizens only, offers the largest first prize cash award among American competitions, and its top two winners are automatically accepted as YES, I want to help talented, young musicians! contestants in the International Chopin Competition in Warsaw. In addition, it awards numerous scholarships annually to pre-college pianists throughout the U.S. Enclosed is my tax-deductible donation of: $ I have been a very proud advocate and supporter for many years.” Please apply my donation to: William Hipp, long-time member of the Chopin Foundation and its Board of Directors l General Programming l Endowment Fund Tax Wise Ways to Give l Competition Fund l Scholarship Fund Building the Chopin Foundation Endowment Fund l In Memory of The Chopin Foundation of the United States, Inc., is a national non-profit Please make check payable to: The Chopin Foundation organization headquartered in Miami, FL, and since 1977 has been dedicated to the support of young, very talented American classical musicians. Thanks NAME: to your gifts, many more young talented American artists will receive the encouragement they need and the recognition they deserve. COMPANY: There are many tax wise ways to contribute to the Chopin Foundation ADDRESS:

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Outright gifts of securities or personal property Mail to: Chopin Foundation of the United States Retirement fund assets 1440 79th St. Causeway, Suite 117, Miami, FL 33141 Assets from qualified plans or IRAs are ideal for charitable giving. To donate by credit card, please visit www.chopin.org This option offers an opportunity to avoid income and estate tax. or call (305) 868-0624 for more information. Charitable remainder trusts Please contact me about: Allow you to receive income (or provide income to another person) for life with the knowledge that funds remaining when the trust l In-kind contribution l Planned Giving terminates will be used to support the Chopin Endowment. l Estate Planning l Volunteering Gift of Life Insurance Support our endowment by making it the beneficiary of part or all Donations to the Chopin Foundation of the United States are tax-deductible of the insurance proceeds. to the extent permitted by law. The Foundation is a non-profit corporation qualified under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. We do not provide legal or tax advice. You should always consult your legal, A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM tax or financial advisor to assist with your charitable planning. THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE (800-435-7352) WITHIN THE STATE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE. For more information please visit our website www.chopin.org or call us at (305) 868-0624. Polonaise Fall 2018 // 21 CHOPIN FOUNDATION OF THE UNITED STATES NON-PROFIT ORG. 1440 79th Street Causeway, Suite 117 U.S. POSTAGE Miami, Florida 33141 PAID MIAMI, FLORIDA PERMIT NO. 573