March 1 marks 213 years since Fryderyk Chopin was born in Żelazowa Wola, some 50 km west of Warsaw. In line with a long-standing tradition, the composer’s birthplace will be the venue for an all-Chopin recital at noon.
The recital will be given by 27-year-old Polish pianist Szymon Nehring, winner of the 2017 Rubinstein Piano Competition in Tel Aviv. He will perform on a period instrument.
The event will be broadcast live on Polish Radio 2, the public broadcaster’s arts-and-music-channel, and the YouTube channel of Poland's National Chopin Institute.
Szymon Nehring. Photo: Polish Radio/PR2
Another highlight of the day is a recital at the National Philharmonic Hall by Russian pianist Yulianna Avdeeva, winner of the 2010 International Chopin Competition in Warsaw.
In addition to a selection of works by Chopin, the programme includes pieces by Franz Liszt and Polish composer Mieczysław Wajnberg.
The recital, at 9 p.m. Warsaw time, will also be available live on Polish Radio 2 and the National Chopin Institute's YouTube channel.
Avdeeva’s victory at the Warsaw Chopin Competition paved the way for her to develop a brilliant international career, with concert engagements in many of the world’s most prestigious venues.
In March last year, soon after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Avdeeva wrote on social media: “Being shocked as millions of people around the world in the past days I have to say a few words coming from the bottom of my heart. It is with deepest sadness and absolute inner pain that I witness the aggression against Ukraine, that is bringing so much tragedy to so many. There is nothing on earth, that could justify such actions. It is unbearable to see people suffering; I am praying this dreadful war comes to an end soon, praying for the strength of all those affected by it. My heart goes out to my friends and the people in Ukraine."
She added: “I strongly believe in the importance of the musical language for people all over the world. Listening to oneself and listening to each other is the very discipline which is an absolute necessity for making music. This capability entwined with the awareness of emotions and ethical principles can be seen as a musician’s main contribution for peaceful coexistence. Music reminds us of our ideals and it brings us closer together. And now I believe stronger than ever, that music will help us stand together for peace."
Yulianna Avdeeva. Photo: Polish Radio/PR2
The exact date of Chopin's birth is subject to debate, with his birth certificate stating February 22, 1810 and family tradition insisting on March 1 of that year.
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Click on the audio player above to listen to a report by Radio Poland's Agnieszka Bielawska.