International Piano Competition for Children and Youth
Lausanne Switzerland
International Piano Competition for Children and Youth
Lausanne Switzerland
International Piano Competition for Children and Youth
Lausanne Switzerland
The Frédéric Chopin Institute in Switzerland is pleased to announce the
The Frédéric Chopin Institute in Switzerland is pleased to announce the
Fifth Edition
Fifth Edition
Fifth Edition
Of the Jeune Chopin Competition
Of the Jeune Chopin Competition
Of the Jeune Chopin Competition
2-5 April, 2027
2-5 April, 2027
The competition will be held in Lausanne, Switzerland, at the renowned Paderewski Hall from April 2nd to 5th, 2027.
As from the first edition in 2018, this year as well the competition will be presided over by Martha Argerich, the distinguished pianist and 1965 winner of the Chopin Competition in Warsaw, whose unwavering support for emerging talent continues to inspire young musicians worldwide.
The competition will be held in Lausanne, Switzerland, at the renowned Paderewski Hall from April 2nd to 5th, 2027.
As from the first edition in 2018, this year as well the competition will be presided over by Martha Argerich, the distinguished pianist and 1965 winner of the Chopin Competition in Warsaw, whose unwavering support for emerging talent continues to inspire young musicians worldwide.
The competition will be held in Lausanne, Switzerland, at the renowned Paderewski Hall from April 2nd to 5th, 2027.
As from the first edition in 2018, this year as well the competition will be presided over by Martha Argerich, the distinguished pianist and 1965 winner of the Chopin Competition in Warsaw, whose unwavering support for emerging talent continues to inspire young musicians worldwide.
The Next Generation of Pianists Takes the Stage in Lausanne.
The Next Generation of Pianists Takes the Stage in Lausanne.
The Next Generation of Pianists Takes the Stage in Lausanne.
The International Jeune Chopin Competition is dedicated to preserving and advancing the legacy of Frédéric Chopin by bringing together exceptional young pianists from around the world. Participants perform before an international jury of distinguished Chopin interpreters and leading professors, including artists who have served on the jury of the prestigious Fryderyk Chopin International Piano Competition in Warsaw. Conceived as an important stage in the development of the next generation of pianists, Jeune Chopin offers young artists the opportunity to enter the highest levels of the international classical music world. The Competition is honoured to be held under the patronage of the Polish National Fryderyk Chopin Institute (NIFC) and with the distinguished support of Martha Argerich.
The International Jeune Chopin Competition is dedicated to preserving and advancing the legacy of Frédéric Chopin by bringing together exceptional young pianists from around the world. Participants perform before an international jury of distinguished Chopin interpreters and leading professors, including artists who have served on the jury of the prestigious Fryderyk Chopin International Piano Competition in Warsaw. Conceived as an important stage in the development of the next generation of pianists, Jeune Chopin offers young artists the opportunity to enter the highest levels of the international classical music world. The Competition is honoured to be held under the patronage of the Polish National Fryderyk Chopin Institute (NIFC) and with the distinguished support of Martha Argerich.
The International Jeune Chopin Competition brings together exceptional young pianists from around the world to celebrate and carry forward the legacy of Frédéric Chopin. Before an international jury of renowned artists and professors, each participant is given the opportunity to be heard, discovered, and to take an important step in their artistic journey. The Competition is proudly held under the patronage of the Polish National Fryderyk Chopin Institute and with the distinguished support of Martha Argerich.
Magdalena Hirsz
Competition Director
Letter From Martha Argerich
Letter From Martha Argerich
Letter From Martha Argerich
Classical music is a precious heritage, a universal language that transcends generations and enlightens our lives. To keep it alive and radiant, it is essential to support those who will carry its flame into the future. Young artists, despite their talent and passion, face a particularly demanding path to find their place in the musical world. It is in this spirit that I appeal to your generosity in support of the Jeune Chopin Competition, of which I have the honor to be the patron and jury president. Open to promising pianists from around the world, this competition offers young musicians a unique opportunity to reveal their artistic personality, nurture their dreams, and take a decisive step in their careers. Since its founding, the F. Chopin Institute in Switzerland, under the leadership of its president Magdalena Hirsz, has successfully organized four editions of this remarkable musical journey. We have had the joy of seeing several of our laureates honored at the prestigious Warsaw Chopin Competition, while others have gone on to perform on the world’s greatest stages, becoming accomplished artists. Every contribution is a promise for the future. It allows young talents to develop their vocation and share the richness of their art with the world. With your support, we can bring the next edition of the competition to life, to be held at the Salle Paderewski in Lausanne. This new chapter follows previous editions organized at Radio RSI in Lugano, a venue that marked the history of our competition before its recent closure. By supporting the Jeune Chopin Competition, you participate in a mission that goes beyond a mere event: you help preserve an artistic heritage, encourage excellence, and give young musicians the momentum they need to make their voices heard.
I thank you from the bottom of my heart for your attention to this appeal and extend my deepest gratitude and warmest regards.
Classical music is a precious heritage, a universal language that transcends generations and enlightens our lives. To keep it alive and radiant, it is essential to support those who will carry its flame into the future. Young artists, despite their talent and passion, face a particularly demanding path to find their place in the musical world. It is in this spirit that I appeal to your generosity in support of the Jeune Chopin Competition, of which I have the honor to be the patron and jury president. Open to promising pianists from around the world, this competition offers young musicians a unique opportunity to reveal their artistic personality, nurture their dreams, and take a decisive step in their careers. Since its founding, the F. Chopin Institute in Switzerland, under the leadership of its president Magdalena Hirsz, has successfully organized four editions of this remarkable musical journey. We have had the joy of seeing several of our laureates honored at the prestigious Warsaw Chopin Competition, while others have gone on to perform on the world’s greatest stages, becoming accomplished artists. Every contribution is a promise for the future. It allows young talents to develop their vocation and share the richness of their art with the world. With your support, we can bring the next edition of the competition to life, to be held at the Salle Paderewski in Lausanne. This new chapter follows previous editions organized at Radio RSI in Lugano, a venue that marked the history of our competition before its recent closure. By supporting the Jeune Chopin Competition, you participate in a mission that goes beyond a mere event: you help preserve an artistic heritage, encourage excellence, and give young musicians the momentum they need to make their voices heard.
I thank you from the bottom of my heart for your attention to this appeal and extend my deepest gratitude and warmest regards.
Classical music is a precious heritage, a universal language that transcends generations and enlightens our lives. To keep it alive and radiant, it is essential to support those who will carry its flame into the future. Young artists, despite their talent and passion, face a particularly demanding path to find their place in the musical world. It is in this spirit that I appeal to your generosity in support of the Jeune Chopin Competition, of which I have the honor to be the patron and jury president. Open to promising pianists from around the world, this competition offers young musicians a unique opportunity to reveal their artistic personality, nurture their dreams, and take a decisive step in their careers. Since its founding, the F. Chopin Institute in Switzerland, under the leadership of its president Magdalena Hirsz, has successfully organized four editions of this remarkable musical journey. We have had the joy of seeing several of our laureates honored at the prestigious Warsaw Chopin Competition, while others have gone on to perform on the world’s greatest stages, becoming accomplished artists. Every contribution is a promise for the future. It allows young talents to develop their vocation and share the richness of their art with the world. With your support, we can bring the next edition of the competition to life, to be held at the Salle Paderewski in Lausanne. This new chapter follows previous editions organized at Radio RSI in Lugano, a venue that marked the history of our competition before its recent closure. By supporting the Jeune Chopin Competition, you participate in a mission that goes beyond a mere event: you help preserve an artistic heritage, encourage excellence, and give young musicians the momentum they need to make their voices heard.
I thank you from the bottom of my heart for your attention to this appeal and extend my deepest gratitude and warmest regards.
Jury
Jury
Meet the distinguished artists and experts who will form the jury of this year’s competition.
Meet the distinguished artists and experts who will form the jury of this year’s competition.
Meet the distinguished artists and experts who will form the jury of this year’s competition.
Martha Argerich
Jury Member
Born in Buenos Aires (Argentina), Martha Argerich began learning piano at the age of five with Vincenzo Scaramuzza. A child prodigy, she soon was giving public performances, before moving to Europe in 1955 to continue her education in London, Vienna and Switzerland, with Friedrich Gulda, Nikita Magaloff, Arturo Benedetti Michelangeli and Stefan Askenase.
Martha Argerich
Jury Member
Born in Buenos Aires (Argentina), Martha Argerich began learning piano at the age of five with Vincenzo Scaramuzza. A child prodigy, she soon was giving public performances, before moving to Europe in 1955 to continue her education in London, Vienna and Switzerland, with Friedrich Gulda, Nikita Magaloff, Arturo Benedetti Michelangeli and Stefan Askenase.
Magdalena Hirsz
Jury Member
Magdalena Hirsz – Polish pianist with Asian roots, she enchants audiences with her musicality and sensitivity. She has performed at numerous international festivals, including Septembre Musical, Warszawa Singera, Marathon du Piano à Evian, Tel-Aviv, Belém piano meetings in Brazil, Peter Feuchtwanger festival in London
Magdalena Hirsz
Jury Member
Magdalena Hirsz – Polish pianist with Asian roots, she enchants audiences with her musicality and sensitivity. She has performed at numerous international festivals, including Septembre Musical, Warszawa Singera, Marathon du Piano à Evian, Tel-Aviv, Belém piano meetings in Brazil, Peter Feuchtwanger festival in London
Pasquale Iannone
Jury Member
Aldo Ciccolini first recognized Pasquale Iannone’s talent when he was a young pianist at the Academy in Biella, praising his effortless sound, coherent musical speech, and freedom from mannerism. Ciccolini’s prediction was correct: Iannone has become a pianist capable not only of interpretation but also of tackling the most demanding virtuoso repertoire.
Pasquale Iannone
Jury Member
Aldo Ciccolini first recognized Pasquale Iannone’s talent when he was a young pianist at the Academy in Biella, praising his effortless sound, coherent musical speech, and freedom from mannerism. Ciccolini’s prediction was correct: Iannone has become a pianist capable not only of interpretation but also of tackling the most demanding virtuoso repertoire.
Artur Pizarro
Jury Member
Born in Lisbon, Portugal in 1968, Artur Pizarro gave his first public performance at the age of three and made his television début on Portuguese television at the age of four. He had been introduced to the instrument by his maternal grandmother, pianist Berta da Nóbrega, and her piano-duo partner, Campos Coelho who was a student of Vianna da Motta, Ricardo Viñes and Isidor Philipp
Artur Pizarro
Jury Member
Born in Lisbon, Portugal in 1968, Artur Pizarro gave his first public performance at the age of three and made his television début on Portuguese television at the age of four. He had been introduced to the instrument by his maternal grandmother, pianist Berta da Nóbrega, and her piano-duo partner, Campos Coelho who was a student of Vianna da Motta, Ricardo Viñes and Isidor Philipp
Cédric Pescia
Jury Member
Cédric Pescia is pianist of dual French and Swiss nationality, was born in Lausanne. He studied with Dominique Merlet at the Conservatoire de Musique in Geneva and with Klaus Hellwig at the Universität der Künste in Berlin. In addition he has studied with Pierre-Laurent Aimard, Daniel Barenboim, Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau, Christian Zacharias and with the Alban Berg Quartet.
Cédric Pescia
Jury Member
Cédric Pescia is pianist of dual French and Swiss nationality, was born in Lausanne. He studied with Dominique Merlet at the Conservatoire de Musique in Geneva and with Klaus Hellwig at the Universität der Künste in Berlin. In addition he has studied with Pierre-Laurent Aimard, Daniel Barenboim, Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau, Christian Zacharias and with the Alban Berg Quartet.
When & Where
When & Where
Paderewski Hall, Lausanne, Switzerland
Paderewski Hall, Lausanne, Switzerland
2-5 April, 2027
2-5 April, 2027
The fifth edition of Jeune Chopin will open on 2 April 2027 at the prestigious Paderewski Hall in Lausanne, under the patronage of Martha Argerich and in the presence of an exceptional international jury. From 3 to 5 April, gifted young pianists from around the world will take to the stage, bringing Chopin’s music to life in the heart of Switzerland. Lausanne and the surrounding region have long held strong ties to Polish culture and artistic heritage. Against the backdrop of Lake Geneva and the Swiss Alps, Jeune Chopin will celebrate this legacy while offering audiences the chance to discover a new generation of remarkable pianists. In times of uncertainty, Chopin’s music remains timeless, a reminder of the enduring power of art to transcend borders, conflict, and generations.
The fifth edition of Jeune Chopin will open on 2 April 2027 at the prestigious Paderewski Hall in Lausanne, under the patronage of Martha Argerich and in the presence of an exceptional international jury. From 3 to 5 April, gifted young pianists from around the world will take to the stage, bringing Chopin’s music to life in the heart of Switzerland. Lausanne and the surrounding region have long held strong ties to Polish culture and artistic heritage. Against the backdrop of Lake Geneva and the Swiss Alps, Jeune Chopin will celebrate this legacy while offering audiences the chance to discover a new generation of remarkable pianists. In times of uncertainty, Chopin’s music remains timeless, a reminder of the enduring power of art to transcend borders, conflict, and generations.
The fifth edition of Jeune Chopin will open on 2 April 2027 at the prestigious Paderewski Hall in Lausanne, under the patronage of Martha Argerich and in the presence of an exceptional international jury. From 3 to 5 April, gifted young pianists from around the world will take to the stage, bringing Chopin’s music to life in the heart of Switzerland. Lausanne and the surrounding region have long held strong ties to Polish culture and artistic heritage. Against the backdrop of Lake Geneva and the Swiss Alps, Jeune Chopin will celebrate this legacy while offering audiences the chance to discover a new generation of remarkable pianists. In times of uncertainty, Chopin’s music remains timeless, a reminder of the enduring power of art to transcend borders, conflict, and generations.
Concert
Program
Concert
Program
Concert
Program
2-5 April 2027
2 April
Free admission for young audiences up to 15
19:00
Opening Concert & Inauguration of the 5th Jeune Chopin Competition
2 April
Free admission for young audiences up to 15
19:00
Opening Concert & Inauguration of the 5th Jeune Chopin Competition
3 April
8:00-11:00
Rehearsals, Categories 1 & 3
11:00 – 13:30
Category 1 Performances (ages 7–12) – Chopin’s Early Works
14:30 – 17:00
Category 3 Performances (ages 15–18) – Chopin Nocturnes & Études (Op. 25 & Op. 10)
20:00 – 21:00
Announcement of Category 3 Results (five pianists admitted)
3 April
8:00-11:00
Rehearsals, Categories 1 & 3
11:00 – 13:30
Category 1 Performances (ages 7–12) – Chopin’s Early Works
14:30 – 17:00
Category 3 Performances (ages 15–18) – Chopin Nocturnes & Études (Op. 25 & Op. 10)
20:00 – 21:00
Announcement of Category 3 Results (five pianists admitted)
4 April
08:00 – 11:00
Rehearsals, Categories 2 & 3
11:00 – 13:30
Category 2 Performances (ages 12–15) – Chopin Polonaises & Waltzes
14:30 – 17:00
Five Category 3 Pianists Perform – Chopin Scherzos, Ballades & Mazurkas
20:00 – 21:00
Announcement of Results by Jury President Martha Argerich and Competition Director Magdalena Hirsz
4 April
08:00 – 11:00
Rehearsals, Categories 2 & 3
11:00 – 13:30
Category 2 Performances (ages 12–15) – Chopin Polonaises & Waltzes
14:30 – 17:00
Five Category 3 Pianists Perform – Chopin Scherzos, Ballades & Mazurkas
20:00 – 21:00
Announcement of Results by Jury President Martha Argerich and Competition Director Magdalena Hirsz
5 April
Meetings & Awards Ceremony
15:00 – 17:00
Meeting with young pianists, parents & teachers – Jury feedback
18:00
Official Awards Ceremony, with the jury and representative from Vaud’s Department of Culture or City of Lausanne
19:00
Concert of Young Laureates (Free admission for young audiences up to 14)
5 April
Meetings & Awards Ceremony
15:00 – 17:00
Meeting with young pianists, parents & teachers – Jury feedback
18:00
Official Awards Ceremony, with the jury and representative from Vaud’s Department of Culture or City of Lausanne
19:00
Concert of Young Laureates (Free admission for young audiences up to 14)
