Amadeus and the Stars of the Chopin Olympus

For countless music fans, there is no bigger thrill in October than following the Chopin Competition. Whether on radio, TV, or streaming online... the 19th edition is unfolding now. The only thing that could top it is catching a past laureate live, which is precisely what is lined up for the second Sunday of October.

Exactly a decade ago, Warsaw witnessed one of the fiercest finals of the Chopin Competition, the most prestigious pianist showdown there is, with the likes of Seong-jin Cho, Kate Liu and Eric Lu among the frontrunners. Many in the audience, however, pinned their hopes on the humble and endearing Charles Richard-Hamelin. The Canadian claimed second place - a proud achievement, even if it left admirers wanting more. Yet, it cemented his standing as a world-class artist and set his career soaring.

Returning to Poland, he will take the stage in Poznań alongside the Amadeus Orchestra, coinciding with this year's Chopin Competition. Joining the programme as the second soloist that night is saxophonist Bartłomiej Duś. His appearance will open a new series of concerts named Stars of the Chopin Olympus. To crown the series, the laureates of this year's piano competitions will appear in Poznań at the end of November. But before that, let us savour more imminent attractions that await us.

The October concert programme features some truly powerful compositions: Johannes Brahms' grand Piano Quintet in F minor, Op. 34, the emotionally moving Night Prayers by Gia Kancheli, one of the most acclaimed contemporary composers, and the dazzling Variations on a Theme by Frescobaldi by Alexandre Tansman. As a special highlight, the Amadeus Orchestra will be conducted by Agnieszka Duczmal herself.

Tomasz Janas

translation: Krzysztof Kotkowski

Amadeus Orchestra: "Stars of the Chopin Olympus" - Charles Richard-Hamelin, Bartłomiej Duś, Adam Mickiewicz University Auditorium, 12 October, 6pm, tickets: PLN 60-80

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