On October 14, 2025, the third round of the 19th International Fryderyk Chopin Piano Competition's evening session unfolded at the Warsaw Philharmonic Concert Hall. This is a chronological look at the performances, the flow of the event, and sponsor interviews. We cover the programs and atmosphere of each of the four pianists who took the stage, along with the meaningful stories from the sponsors who support the competition.

1. Opening of the Evening Session and the Meaning of the Competition

The event opened with announcements of the official Chopin Competition sponsors, accompanied by beautiful music. On screen, sponsor highlights, music, and lightly toned partner interviews followed in sequence, after which contestants spoke candidly about what the competition meant to them.

"My Chopin Competition journey started with my elementary school graduation yearbook. When I wrote about my future, I said I wanted to compete in the Chopin Competition someday. And now I'm finally standing on this stage, the Philharmonic hall I've always admired. I'm truly grateful." "The most important thing is to feel joy. Because I'm happy — and I think that's the very best part of being a pianist."

The participants added that rather than feeling nervous on stage, they felt excitement and gratitude.

"When I'm on stage, I feel very calm. The stage is the greatest pleasure for me — it's a moment of happiness and gratitude that the audience is listening to my performance. So there's no reason to be stressed."

This was followed by an announcement asking the audience to silence their phones and other devices, after which the official proceedings began.

2. Host Introduction, Jury Presentation, and Session Overview

Official host of the evening session, Monica Pottoac, took the stage and explained that this was the first evening session of the third round. She announced that four pianists would perform in succession and extended a warm welcome not only to the in-person audience but to music lovers around the world watching via television, radio, and the official streaming platforms.

"Welcome to the audience at the Warsaw Philharmonic Hall, and to everyone joining us on TV, radio, and the Chopin Institute's official channels!"

The jury president and all seventeen jurors were then introduced one by one to applause, after which the first performance of the session was announced.

3. Four Contestants — Performances and Programs

1) SHIORI KUWAHARA (Japan)

The first to take the stage, Shiori Kuwahara, performed the Scherzo in C-sharp minor, Op. 39, four Mazurkas, and the Sonata in B minor, Op. 58. Her playing conveyed pure musical passion; the word "Heat" appeared repeatedly in the captions, capturing the audience's rapt engagement and the charged atmosphere in the hall. 🎵 Expressions of admiration arose again and again, especially during the intense passages of the Scherzo and the Sonata.

"Heat. Heat."

She concluded her set to a wave of warm applause.

2) HYO LEE (South Korea)

The second pianist, Hyo Lee (South Korea), presented a program of the Ballade in G minor, Op. 23, three Mazurkas, the Sonata in B-flat minor, Op. 35, and the Scherzo in C-sharp minor, Op. 39. He too breathed with the audience; exclamations such as "Hallelujah," "Dingle," "Sing," and "spirit" appeared in captions, and "Heat" recurred at each movement transition and climax, conveying the electric atmosphere in the hall.

After the performance concluded, applause rang out and words of thanks followed.

"Ladies and gentlemen, we will be very grateful if you turn over. Thank you."

3) HYUK LEE (South Korea)

After the intermission, the third performer was Hyuk Lee (South Korea). He offered a varied palette of Chopin colors: the Impromptu in F-sharp major, Op. 36, the Ballade in A-flat major, Op. 47, four Mazurkas, and the Sonata in B minor, Op. 58.

"Heat. Heat." appeared repeatedly in captions through every fierce movement, reflecting the audience's deep immersion and emotional response at each peak of the solo piano writing. When he finished his program, the hall erupted in sustained applause.

4) TIANYOU LI (China)

The final performance of the evening fell to Tianyou Li (China). He performed the Mazurkas, Op. 59 (three pieces), the Sonata in B-flat minor, Op. 35, and the Variations in B-flat major, Op. 2. During and after his playing, captions such as "Heat" and "Happy birthday" appeared, reflecting the lively connection between performer and audience.

4. Special Sponsor Interviews

Following the second performance, an in-depth interview segment explored how the Chopin Competition sustains itself as a global music festival and how vital the role of sponsors is.

"The Chopin Competition is a living festival within the history of music. The reason this legacy continues to inspire Poland and the world is thanks to the dedication of its sponsors."

Adelina Kumor, Head of Public Relations and Fundraising, spoke candidly about the challenges of securing sponsorships and the satisfaction she finds in the work.

"It's still a reality that sports attract sponsors more easily than culture — and that's a shame. But we work hard to demonstrate the value of partnership through data and statistics, showing companies that it translates into real business benefits. Because of that, companies from many sectors have invested in the Competition, and the brand value of Chopin has been able to reach into the hundreds of millions of dollars."

Lead sponsors each spoke about their own strategies, their affection for the Chopin Competition, and their pride in the fact that the event has grown into a brand representing not just cultural activity but Poland and the entire world of music.

"We sponsor both sports and culture, but globally recognized cases like this competition are rare. The branding power of the Chopin Competition is truly extraordinary." "At Orlen, we made it possible to experience the atmosphere of the Competition at petrol stations across the country — through coffee cups printed with the official logo and QR codes, special food sets, and more." "We also run fan zones in seven cities where anyone can enjoy the music freely!"

Finally, sponsors reflected on the sporting tension built into the competition format, its competitive structure that draws in the public, and how young artists emerge as stars.

"The competition really does resemble actual sport. The tension at every stage, the passionate audience, the debates sparked by jury results… the two worlds of music and sport blend together naturally." "We've been official supporters since 2015 — every year we work to bring Chopin to wider audiences through the Chopin Museum, various music festivals, and educational projects for children."

The conclusion was that the sustained interest and participation of the jury, sponsors, and audience is what makes this event shine.

"The competition takes place only once every five years, but behind it lies continuous preparation year after year and a tireless effort to nurture the next generation of Chopin."

5. Closing of the Session

After the final contestant's performance, the music lingered as the official sponsors, partner companies, and airline were once again acknowledged.

"LOT Polish Airlines, the official partner of the Chopin Competition, joins us as the official airline of this music festival."

The broadcast closed with music, signaling the successful conclusion of a music festival that transcends borders and generations under the name of the Chopin Competition.

Closing Thoughts

This session was, in every sense, an "international festival of music" — filled with the passionate and deeply considered performances of young pianists making their mark on the world stage, rich cultural and social significance, and the indispensable role of the sponsors who underpin it all. It was a moment where the dreams of the pianists on stage, the efforts of the countless people who support them, and the love people across the world hold for Chopin's music all came together as one. ✨