American pianist Eric Lu has achieved a remarkable milestone by winning the 19th International Fryderyk Chopin Piano Competition. This prestigious event took place on October 21, 2025, in Warsaw, Poland, at the National Philharmonic concert hall.
Competition Overview
The Chopin Piano Competition is one of the most esteemed contests in the classical music world. Held every five years, it attracts talented musicians from across the globe. This year, 84 contestants participated, all born between 1995 and 2009, with the majority hailing from countries like China, Poland, and Japan.
Jury and Selection Process
The decision to crown Eric Lu as the winner came after extensive deliberations by a 17-member international jury. The jury was chaired by renowned American pianist Garrick Ohlsson, who expressed that there were many intense discussions about artistic interpretations before arriving at their decision.
A Night to Remember
During the finals, Eric Lu performed Chopin’s Polonaise-Fantasy in A-flat major, Op. 61, along with the Piano Concerto in F minor, Op. 21. His performance earned him not just accolades, but also a monetary prize of 60,000 euros (approximately $69,972) and a gold medal funded by the President of Poland.
Eric Lu’s Reaction
After receiving the award, Lu expressed his gratitude. “I’m so grateful for this honor. It’s a dream come true,” he told reporters. His emotional speech highlighted the support from Chopin enthusiasts worldwide and the audience present in Warsaw.
Notable Achievements
At 27 years old, Lu is not new to the competition circuit. He is a graduate of the prestigious Curtis Institute and won the Leeds International Piano Competition in 2018. He has performed with prominent symphony orchestras, including those in Boston, London, and Chicago. Lu has also recorded two albums featuring works by composers such as Schubert, Chopin, Schumann, and Brahms.
Competition Results
- 1st Prize: Eric Lu (USA)
- 2nd Prize: Kevin Chen (Canada)
- 3rd Prize: Zitong Wang (China)
Historical Context
This nearly century-long competition was inspired by the Olympic Games and is held around October 17, the anniversary of composer Frédéric Chopin’s death. Through its storied history, the competition has significantly contributed to the careers of many pianists and continues to celebrate the legacy of Chopin.
