The opening chords of the prestigious Federico Chopin National Piano Competition will resonate through Bogotá, as Hungarian virtuoso Gergely Bogányi inaugurates the event with a highly anticipated concert. This marks the beginning of the competition’s preliminary rounds, orchestrated by the Federico Chopin Institute in Colombia and the InterColombia Cultural Corporation, the same masterminds behind the Bogotá International Sacred Music Festival. The ultimate prize? A chance to compete in the illustrious Fryderyk Chopin International Piano Competition in Warsaw, Poland, in 2025.
The concert is set for September 17 (7:00 PM) at the Compensar Auditorium in Bogotá. Bogányi, a master interpreter of Chopin, will offer an extraordinary recital where the audience gets to select from a “menu” of 108 of the Polish composer’s most iconic pieces. Tickets are available through tuboleta.com, priced at $50,000 pesos.
A Journey Through Chopin’s Legacy
Frédéric Chopin (1810-1849) is celebrated as one of the most influential composers of the Romantic era. His oeuvre, predominantly for solo piano, combines technical brilliance with poetic depth, making his works both challenging and beloved by pianists worldwide. Chopin’s music, characterized by its expressive depth and innovative use of the instrument, continues to captivate audiences over 170 years after his death.
Spotlight on Gergely Bogányi
Trained at the Liszt Academy in Hungary under Zsuzsa Esztó and Laszlo Barányi, the Sibelius Academy under Matti Raekallio, and Indiana University’s Jacobs School of Music under Gyorgy Sebök, Gergely Bogányi has a rich educational background in classical music. He was honored as an Honorary Citizen of Vác at just 22 years old and received the prestigious Gramophone award in 2000 for “Best Musical Event and Best Musician in Hungary,” recognizing his series of recitals featuring Chopin’s complete works.
Bogányi’s international career includes performances as a soloist with numerous European orchestras and recitals at major festivals and concert halls worldwide. His discography is extensive, featuring Chopin’s complete works for piano, Mozart and Liszt’s piano concertos, and the sonatas for cello and piano by Chopin and Rachmaninov, among others.
The Competition’s Vision
The Federico Chopin National Piano Competition in Colombia aims to celebrate and promote the interpretation of Chopin’s masterpieces. It seeks to identify a Colombian pianist to represent the nation at the XIX Fryderyk Chopin International Piano Competition, held every five years in the Polish capital and event that promote Chopin’s music and Polish culture globally. Many past winners have gone on to have illustrious careers, including Maurizio Pollini, Martha Argerich, Krystian Zimerman, and Yundi Li. Competitors are required to perform a wide range of Chopin’s works, including mazurkas, nocturnes, etudes, polonaises, waltzes, and concertos.
This year’s competition boasts a distinguished panel of judges, including Colombian pianists Blanca Uribe and Mauricio Arias-Esguerra, alongside Hungarian maestro Gergerly Bogányi. Their presence underscores the competition’s commitment to excellence and its role in nurturing and projecting Colombian musical talent on the international stage.
In addition to the honor of representing Colombia in Warsaw, the competition winner will receive a 1,000-dollar prize and the opportunity to perform in three prestigious venues across the country.
The Federico Chopin Institute in Colombia
Founded in 1998 by the InterColombia Cultural Corporation, the Federico Chopin Institute in Colombia is dedicated to honoring the life and work of the celebrated Polish composer. It forms part of a global network of institutes linked to the Federico Chopin Institute in Warsaw, fostering international cultural ties.
This initiative not only supports national pianists but also enhances the appreciation of music in Colombia, forging connections with national and international institutions to showcase Colombian talent.
The Federico Chopin National Piano Competition enjoys the support of the Polish Embassy in Colombia, the Bank of the Republic, and Compensar.
For more information, visit concursochopin@intercolombia.org or www.intercolombia.org.
Source: Chopin National Piano Competition comes to Colombia with Maestro Bogányi | The City Paper
