'Chopin music festival' takes place in a Polish mountain town
The International Chopin Piano Festival Returns to Duszniki-Zdroj
The picturesque spa town of Duszniki-Zdroj in Poland is once again hosting the International Chopin Piano Festival, a prestigious event that has been celebrating the music of composer Frédéric Chopin for over 80 years.
This year, the festival attracts a diverse range of performers, including Aristo Sham, the 29-year-old prodigy from Hong Kong who won the 2025 Van Cliburn Competition. Sham expressed his honor and privilege to play in the same venue as Chopin and follow in his footsteps. During his rehearsals, Sham found himself rehearsing with a bust of Chopin in sight, a reminder of the legacy he is upholding.
Sham is not the only one captivated by Chopin's music. Erin Gao, a 33-year-old from China, is traveling to hear Chopin's works during her vacation in Europe. The festival serves not only as a major cultural event in Poland but also as a prominent gathering for global Chopin enthusiasts, contributing to the preservation and promotion of Chopin’s piano repertoire.
The festival's setting is enchanting for Sham, and he finds the audience incredibly enthusiastic. Julia Lozowska, a 23-year-old pianist from Warsaw, is one of this year's performers. The town where the festival is held, with a population of just 4,000 residents, is steeped in Chopin's legacy. Streets are adorned with posters and statues of Chopin, and shops welcome tourists with souvenirs bearing his image.
In 1826, a 16-year-old Chopin gave his first concert abroad in the town where the festival is held (when it was known as Bad Reinerz). This historical link enhances the festival's cultural importance, connecting contemporary audiences to Chopin’s early international career.
The festival typically lasts nine days and features a variety of events designed to honor Chopin’s works and influence, including performances by top pianists and educational programs. This year, the Warsaw National Philharmonic Orchestra is preparing to open the 80th edition of the International Chopin Piano Festival. The organisers expect around 2,000 spectators over the nine-day event that runs until August 9.
Mike Righton, a 73-year-old from Texas, has been attending the festival for five years. He finds the festival to be a highlight of his year, a chance to immerse himself in the music of Chopin and the company of fellow enthusiasts.
For those unable to attend in person, the festival's influence extends beyond the town's borders. The festival contributes significantly to the preservation and promotion of Chopin’s piano repertoire, ensuring that his music continues to inspire and captivate audiences for generations to come.
References: 1. International Chopin Piano Festival 2. Aristo Sham 3. Erin Gao 4. Julia Lozowska 5. The History of the International Chopin Piano Festival
The International Chopin Piano Festival, a prestigious event held in Duszniki-Zdroj, attracts global entertainment, with performers like Aristo Sham, the Van Cliburn Competition winner, participating this year. This festival, rich in international music, serves not only as a major cultural event in Poland but also as a gathering for Chopin enthusiasts from around the world.
