Fryderyk Chopin (1810-1849) was a Polish composer and virtuoso pianist of the Romantic era whose output was devoted almost entirely to solo piano. Born near Warsaw, he settled in Paris in 1831 and spent the rest of his life there, composing mazurkas, nocturnes, études, polonaises and ballades that remain central to the classical piano repertoire. His writing transformed the expressive possibilities of the instrument and influenced virtually every composer who followed him.
The 19th International Chopin Piano Competition was held in Warsaw (2-23 October 2025), with American pianist Eric Lu winning first prize; the edition drew a record 642 applicants.
The Fryderyk Chopin Institute launched a five-year centenary programme on 2 October 2025, leading up to the competition's official 100th anniversary in 2027 and the 20th edition in 2030.
The 22nd International 'Chopin and His Europe' Music Festival is scheduled in Warsaw from 23 August to 6 September 2026.
The 54th National Fryderyk Chopin Piano Competition is scheduled at the Fryderyk Chopin University of Music in Warsaw from 29 November to 6 December 2026.
The 29th Chamber Music Festival "Evenings in the Arsenal" named after Jan Staniendy features six classical and two entertainment concerts in the courtyard of Wrocław's historic Arsenal from 26 June to 5 July. The pass covers selected festival days.
The 29th edition of the chamber music festival on the courtyard of Wrocław's historic Arsenal. Eight concerts from June 26 to July 5 featuring the Wratislavia Chamber Orchestra, soloists and guest artists, spanning from Baroque to jazz.
