More than 150 pianists from around the world will be playing at the National Philharmonic Hall in the Polish capital until the end of next week, vying for a place in the competition finals, which are due to take place in October.
“This venue is so magical for the Chopin competition, imbued with the spirit of all those great pianists whom we were watching when we were kids," said Polish pianist Łukasz Byrdy.
"This is a fantastic feeling but a source of huge stress too,” he added.
Radio Poland's Michał Owczarek has the story.
Click on the audio player above to listen.