Concert featuring Martha Argerich opens 2nd international Chopin competition on period instruments

By MONIKA SCISLOWSKA
Associated Press

WARSAW, Poland (AP) — A gala concert featuring the Argentinean pianist Martha Argerich is the opening event for the 2nd Chopin Competition on Period Instruments in Warsaw. Launched in 2018, the competition is intended to promote historically informed performance of 19th century piano music, chiefly by Polish composer Frederic Chopin. It is also meant to promote music talents and help launch international careers, and 35 young pianists are taking part. They will be playing on original 19th century instruments or on replicas. The winner is to be announced Oct. 14. The opening concert Thursday also features Tomasz Ritter, winner of the contest’s first edition.