Chopin Competition 2025: Programme Building
Regarding the jury’s Stage 3 picks, several specific outcomes were expected. Seasoned candidates like Kevin Chen and Eric Lu seemed earmarked for Stage 3 long before the Competition commenced.
However, the jury's decision to keep Polish pianists Piotr Alexewicz and Piotr Pawlak in play was surprising, given their erratic Stage 2 performances.
- David Khrikuli
- William Yang
- Vincent Ong
showcased their skills to far better advantage in Stage 2 than in Stage 1, likely factoring into their advancement to Stage 3.
I regret the elimination of two real artists, Yanyan Bao and Gabriele Strata
This sentiment is similar to the surprise felt at Magdalene Ho’s first-round elimination from the 2025 Van Cliburn Competition.
Author's summary: Chopin Competition 2025 Stage 3 picks announced.