How to Watch the Chopin Piano Competition Finals—Live, Free, and in Stunning HD

What Is the International Chopin Piano Competition?
Final Round Schedule and Performers
How to Watch the Chopin Piano Competition Live
Why Millions Tune In to This Classical Event
Past Winners and Cultural Impact
Sources

What Is the International Chopin Piano Competition?

Held every five years in Warsaw, Poland, the International Chopin Piano Competition is one of the most prestigious and oldest classical music contests in the world. Founded in 1927, it’s dedicated exclusively to the works of Frédéric Chopin—the Romantic-era composer whose delicate nocturnes, fiery études, and poetic mazurkas continue to challenge and inspire pianists globally.

This year’s edition has already captivated millions online, with early rounds drawing over 10 million views across platforms. Now, as the competition enters its climactic final round, anticipation is at an all-time high.

Final Round Schedule and Performers

The final round features the last six pianists, each performing Chopin’s piano concertos with the Filharmonia Narodowa (National Philharmonic Orchestra) under the baton of maestro Andrzej Boreyko.

Performances run from October 19 to October 21, 2025, at Warsaw’s historic National Philharmonic Hall. The schedule is as follows (all times in Central European Time):

Date	Time	Concerto Performed
Oct 19	6:00 PM	Piano Concerto No. 1 in E minor, Op. 11
Oct 20	6:00 PM	Piano Concerto No. 2 in F minor, Op. 21
Oct 21	6:00 PM	Finalists’ Performances & Prize Announcement

How to Watch the Chopin Piano Competition Live

Good news: you don’t need a ticket to Warsaw to experience the magic. The competition is streamed live and free in high definition via multiple official channels:

YouTube: Official Chopin Competition Channel – Full HD, multilingual commentary
Medici.tv: Medici.tv Live Stream – Premium audio, available with free trial
Polish TV (TVP Culture): Broadcast across Europe with English subtitles
Radio Streaming: Polish Radio Channel 2 offers live audio coverage

Replays of all rounds are available on YouTube shortly after broadcast. Subscribers can also access exclusive backstage interviews and practice session clips.

Why Millions Tune In to This Classical Event

Unlike most music competitions, the Chopin Competition isn’t just about technical perfection—it’s about poetry, nuance, and emotional truth. Judges prioritize interpretive depth over flashy virtuosity, making each performance deeply personal.

“It’s not who plays the fastest,” said jury member Prof. Ewa Pobłocka in a pre-competition interview. “It’s who makes us feel Chopin’s heartbeat.”

The contest has launched legendary careers—most notably Martha Argerich (1965) and Yundi Li (2000)—and this year’s finalists hail from Japan, South Korea, the U.S., Poland, Italy, and Ukraine, reflecting the global reach of Chopin’s legacy.

Past Winners and Cultural Impact

Winning the competition often leads to major recording contracts, international tours, and a place in classical music history. The first prize includes €40,000, a recording deal with Deutsche Grammophon, and performance opportunities with top orchestras worldwide.

But beyond prizes, the event serves as a cultural bridge—uniting audiences across continents through the timeless language of Chopin’s music.

As one fan commented during the semifinals: “In a world full of noise, this is where I find silence that sings.”