Behind the scenes notes. 17th day

Four finalists played on Sunday which was the second day of the Competition’s closing stage. We listened Concerto in E minor in interpretation by Miyu Shindo of Japan, and Zitong Wang of China, Concerto in F minor – by William Young of the United States and Piotr Alexewicz on Poland. They were accompanied by the Warsaw Philharmonic’s orchestra, conducted by Andrzej Boreyko. Before the concertos, the young pianists played Polonaise-Fantasy, Op. 61. Four other participants performed on Saturday. The auditorium was filled to the brink, and the mood was festive and joyous.

Marzena Hotyr, a viola player in the orchestra, affirmed it transpired during rehearsals that these are mature artists with interesting, well-defined personalities. She considered playing with them to be very inspiring and conceded that the members of the orchestra have already their favourites. She was particularly impressed by the performance of Tianyao Lyu from China, who performed on Saturday.

The players are well prepared to playing with an orchestra, which, in turn, tries to play in a way that enhances the beauty of the concertos and the values of each interpretation.

Japanese Miyu Shindo said after her performance that she was very tired after the three weeks of the Competition and stress. ‘It’s been quite challenging to keep the concentration until now. I’m happy and relieved that it’s over.’ She enjoyed playing with the orchestra, which was giving her a lot of positive energy and encouragement, while thanks to a warm smile from Andrzej Boreyko ‘in the beginning of the 3rd movement I felt relieved and I truly enjoyed playing,’ she added.  

The only Pole in the finals, Piotr Alexewicz, told he entered the Competition to test himself as a pianist and to check what he still needs to work on. He was very glad he reached the finals. He compared playing with the orchestra to a dialogue, an exchange where both sides matter and support each other.    

On Monday we will listen to performances of three pianists and after deliberation the Jury the jury will designate the winner and other laureates.

Monika Ścisłowska-Sakowicz