2010 was the jubilee year of the bicentenary of the birth of Fryderyk Chopin. In connection with the grand anniversary celebrations, Chopin began appearing everywhere and in every possible form: from the most authentic (Chopin on period instruments) to those adhering to popular culture (Chopin in tracksuit top with earphones).
In 2010, the Competition was organised for the first time by the Fryderyk Chopin Institute. The four-stage format was reinstated, and the Sonata in C minor, Op. 4 appeared on the list of works for the third round (giving three sonatas to choose from). Among the pianos, an Italian Fazioli was available for the first time.
Many discussions and disputes arose in 2010. The Austrian pianist Ingolf Wunder, although he had fallen at the second hurdle in 2005, was among the favourites for the 16th Competition from the very beginning, and he enjoyed huge favour among the public. Ultimately, he came second, and he had to share that prize with Lukas Geniušas. The jury awarded First Prize to the Russian pianist Yulianna Avdeeva – the fourth woman to be crowned winner of the Chopin Competition.
The rivalry could be followed from the first round to the final thanks to simultaneous broadcasts on radio, television and the Internet.
