Chopin Foundation of the U.S. Raises Top Cash Prize to $75,000 for 2015 National Chopin Piano Competition

MIAMI, Aug. 21, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Chopin Foundation of the U.S. will raise their top prize to $75,000 for 2015, making it the highest award for a piano competition in the country.

"In support of our mission to assist the career development of American pianists, we decided to raise the bar in hopes of attracting the very best pianists from the U.S.A. to the 2015 competition in Miami," said executive director, Jadwiga Gewert.

"As one of only two organizations in this country that are committed to discovering and promoting American classical pianists exclusively, we feel the increased cash prizes will go a long way to help get the winners noticed."

In addition to the $75,000 cash prize, the winner of the National Chopin Competition will advance to the International Chopin Piano Competition in Warsaw, and be booked for concert engagements in the U.S. and internationally, arranged by the Chopin Foundation.

The silver medalist will receive a cash prize of $35,000 and is also accepted to the International Competition. All finalists receive expense-paid trips to Warsaw to compete in the International Chopin Competition.  Third Prize is $20,000; Fourth, $10,000; Fifth and Sixth, $5,000 and $4,000.  The complete list of rules and repertoire requirements can be found at http://www.chopin.org/competition.html

The Competition attracts a distinguished jury chaired by Agustin Anievas, a legendary, award-winning American pianist, including members of the Warsaw jury and other respected names in the classical piano world.

By presenting the events in Miami in February, the Foundation hopes to attract an out-of-town audience to enjoy the musical performances and tropical ambiance.  Those not able to enjoy the live performances will be able to watch professionally filmed web-casts.

Founded by Mrs. Blanka A. Rosenstiel, the first National Chopin Piano Competition was held in Miami in 1975 under the auspices of the American Institute of Polish Culture. Since then it has been presented every five years by the Chopin Foundation of the United States and is designed to offer performance opportunities and financial support to American pianists who then represent the U.S. at the International Competition in Warsaw.  The foundation also offers scholarships to American pianists, ages 14-17, helping potential contestants with their musical studies.

The Ninth National Chopin Competition will take place February 21 through March 1, 2015 in Miami. For information, go to http://www.chopin.org.  

Contact:
Jadwiga Gewert
(305) 868-0624
[email protected]

SOURCE Chopin Foundation of the U.S.