The Kosciuszko Foundation’s Chopin Piano Competition was established in 1949, in honor of the hundredth anniversary of the death of Frederic Chopin. Over the years, many outstanding musicians have been associated with the competition including Van Cliburn, Ian Hobson, and Murray Perahia. Today, the Kosciuszko Foundation’s Chopin Competition continues to encourage gifted young pianists to further their studies and to perform the works of Polish composers.
Required Repertoire
1. Chopin:
a) One Mazurka of the contestant’s choice
b) Two works chosen from Etudes, Nocturnes, Waltzes, Impromptus, Preludes, and miscellaneous works
c) One major work chosen from the following: Ballades, Scherzi, Sonatas; F-sharp minor Polonaise; A-flat major Polonaise-Fantasy; Andante Spianato and Grande Polonaise; Barcarolle; F-minor Fantasy; Introduction and Rondo, Op.16; Allegro de Concert, Op. 46
2. Szymanowski: Two works of the contestant’s choice, including at LEAST one Mazurka
3. A major work by J.S. Bach or two Preludes and Fugues from the Well-Tempered Clavier
4. A complete sonata by Beethoven, Haydn, Mozart, or Schubert
5. A major 19th or early 20th century work (before 1950 including Debussy, Ravel, Prokofiev, Rachmaninoff, etc., but excluding those in 4. Above)
6. A contemporary work (after 1950) by an American or Polish composer
*All works are to be complete and played from memory
Eligibility
The Competition is open to citizens and permanent residents of the United States, Polish citizens, and to international full-time students with valid U.S. student visas. Applicants must be between the ages of 16 and 26 as of October 24, 2014.
Application Process
Complete the application [pdf] and submit it along with all required materials noted below by October 3, 2014 to:
Chopin Piano Competition
Kosciuszko Foundation
15 East 65th Street
New York, NY 10065
Fax: (212) 628-4552
1. Biography or curriculum vitae. Include education, experience, honors or competitions won, public recitals or performances with orchestra. Include official event name or competition title, sponsoring organization, and date.
2. Two letters of recommendation emphasizing artistic ability and achievement, one from a current teacher and one from another source, sent directly to The Kosciuszko Foundation.
3. A typewritten copy of your program from the required repertoire (see p. 3) Please give complete information, (including key & opus number, etc.) and movement titles. Retain a copy.
4. A copy of an official document with proof of age.
5. One black and white photo of yourself suitable for reproduction, no smaller than 3″ x 5.”
6. A non-refundable application fee of $50 (payable by check or money order to The Kosciuszko Foundation).
Competition Schedule
Preliminaries: Friday, October 24, 2014 at 10 AM, KF House
Finals: Saturday, October 25, 2014 at 10 AM, KF House
