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8th KUWAIT CHOPIN INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION 2027
Updated: 4 hours ago
Gratitude is the memory of the heart. We are grateful to outstanding figures in history for their works and deeds. This pertains to great masters like Frederic Chopin, whose music bestowed so much goodness and beauty upon the people of his homeland and the whole world for more than 200 years. But we should also remember the people who spread this goodness and beauty among others.
The music world is celebrating the 100th anniversary of the establishment of the Int’l Chopin Competition. It was the first and only continuously running piano competition in history. Its great success made it a role model for hundreds of music competitions: piano, vocal, or instrumental, all around the world. But only this event alone remained dedicated to the works of just one exceptional creator – Frederic Chopin.
A native of Warsaw, a Pole at heart, and a citizen of the world, he still enjoys the greatest popularity everywhere. Also in Kuwait and the Gulf Region, as evidenced by the fact that so many young musicians are participating in the 8th Int’l Chopin Competition.
For centuries, young people have been competing in various fields for the top spot, for the glory of victory. Olympic medals were also won in various fields of art, both in antiquity and in modern times, up until the second half of the 19th century.
This year we also pay tribute to a visionary pianist and educator, Prof. Jerzy Żurawlew (1886-1980), who a hundred years ago, inspired by sporting events, established and organized for young musicians the first Chopin Competition in Warsaw. Since then, his initiative evolved into one of the most prestigious, globally renowned musical events. The Polish Parliament officially designated the year 2027 as the Year of Prof. Jerzy Żurawlew, symbolically honoring the educators, organizers, and patrons who keep Chopin’s music alive and spread it, even though they aren’t seen on stage.
Remembering is also our duty. Just as in the previous seven Chopin Competitions, we wish to celebrate Chopin and his magnificent music and young people for their efforts and achievements. Driven by love for music, but also a youthful need for rivalry, they desire to master his musical achievements and share them with others, with our audiences.
Serving, according to our best knowledge and with the intention of developing young talents, Kuwait Music Academy also wants to honor their teachers, schools, as well as our patrons of the eminent cultural event in Kuwait. We would like to expose and honor them because without them we would never have achieved such successes and satisfaction.
Yet this time, commemorating also Prof. Jerzy Żurawlew, reminds us of the importance of educators of those young musicians, organizers, and patrons thanks to whom such an opportunity for them – and music lovers alike – was created. We wish to express our gratitude and appreciation to them by keeping their memory alive.
We believe that our Kuwait Music Academy - the country's first professional music school - effectively fulfills both their aspirations and our own goals by seeking out young musical talents and providing the best possible conditions for education, development, and the presentation of achievements.
Co-Founders of KMA - Fajer Al-Mazidi & Cezary Owerkowicz
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Ladies and Gentlemen,
Fryderyk Chopin is widely regarded as one of the most outstanding artists in human history. His compositions form part of the global classical music repertoire and are performed in concert halls worldwide.
2027 is a significant year for fans of Chopin music. One hundred years ago, the inaugural International Chopin Piano Competition was held at the National Philharmonic in Warsaw, the capital of Poland. This exceptional event has been held there ever since. Over the past 100 years, the competition has evolved into one of the world most prestigious music events, showcasing the talents of musicians from around the globe who follow in Chopin footsteps.
We are filled with profound joy and pride to see that the eighth edition of the Gulf Chopin
Competition in Kuwait coincides with the centenary of the original one in Warsaw. Since 1999, the Competition has brought together the most talented young musicians from Kuwait and the wider region, creating a community united by a shared passion for Chopin music. This is the perfect illustration of the enormous influence and inspiration that Frédéric Chopin music has had on people around the world.
In this regard, I would like to emphasize the important role played by the teachers at the Kuwait Music Academy. For over 30 years, this institution has promoted classical music and provided high- quality music education in Kuwait. I am proud that Polish musicians are among its esteemed founders and educators.
I would like to encourage you to attend this exceptional event, where you will have the opportunity to experience Chopin compositions and the passion for music of the participating artists, who are eager to share it with you.
H.E. Michał Cholewa
Ambassador of the Republic of Poland to the State of Kuwait
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8TH KUWAIT CHOPIN INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION 2027
Organized by Kuwait Music Academy
REGULATIONS
1. GENERAL INFORMATION
The 8th Chopin International Competition in Kuwait 2027 is organized by Kuwait Music Academy in cooperation with the Embassy of the Republic of Poland in Kuwait and other partner institutions and organizations.
The Competition will take place in January–February 2027 and will be offered in two participation formats:
Live Format - live auditions in front of the Jury in Kuwait;
Online Format - participation by submission of a video recording.
The Competition is open to participants from Kuwait and from other countries.
The 2027 edition is held in a particularly significant year, marking the 100th anniversary of the first International Chopin Piano Competition in Warsaw, initiated by pianist and pedagogue Jerzy Żurawlew in 1927.
The 8th edition of the Competition is dedicated to the legacy of Jerzy Żurawlew,
a visionary pianist and educator, whose initiative evolved into the oldest, most
prestigious musical event in the world.
The Competition seeks to celebrate the music of Fryderyk Chopin, promote Polish musical heritage, and continue the spirit of artistic exchange and cultural dialogue associated with the Chopin tradition.
The Competition aims to:
provide musicians with an opportunity to perform and present their artistic
achievements;
encourage musical education and artistic development;
support musical culture and create opportunities for international artistic
exchange and cultural dialogue in Kuwait and across the Gulf region;
promote appreciation of classical music among young people and audiences of
different cultural backgrounds;
provide musicians from different countries with an opportunity to participate in
an international musical event in Kuwait.
2. DATES
Registration Deadline January 15th 2027 (Friday)
Live Auditions January 29th 2027 (Friday)
Online Video Submission Deadline January 15th 2027 (Friday)
Final Concert & Award Ceremony February 4th 2027 (Thursday)
Selected participants may be invited to perform during the Final Concert.
3. PARTICIPATION FORMATS
The Competition is offered in two formats. Participants may choose the format that best suits their circumstances.
3.1. LIVE FORMAT
Participants perform in front of the Jury in person at the Competition venue in Kuwait.
Registration fee: 15 KD per entry.
3.2. ONLINE FORMAT
Participants submit a video recording of their performance for evaluation by the Jury.
Registration fee: 10 KD per entry.
The Online Format is open to participants from Kuwait or other countries who are unable or prefer not to attend the Competition in person.
The same category structure and repertoire requirements apply to both formats.
4. DIVISIONS AND CATEGORIES
The Competition consists of three divisions:
I. PIANO
Category Level
A Beginner
B Elementary
C Intermediate
D Advanced
No age limit applies to the Piano Division.
Placement in the Piano categories is based on the participant's declared artistic and technical level and the repertoire presented, rather than on age.
II. INSTRUMENTAL
Category Level
A Lower Level
B Higher Level
The Instrumental Division is open to classical instruments from families other than piano and voice, including strings, woodwinds, brass, and percussion.
No age limit applies to the Instrumental Division.
Placement in the Instrumental categories is based on the participant's artistic and technical level and the repertoire presented, rather than on age.
III. VOICE
Category Age
Junior Voice Up to 15 years
Senior Voice 16 years and above
For the purpose of determining the age category, the participant's age on January 15th 2027 shall be taken into consideration.
The Jury may take into consideration the participant's declared category and expected level when evaluating the performance.
5. REPERTOIRE REQUIREMENTS
The Competition is dedicated to the music of Fryderyk Chopin and to the promotion of Polish musical heritage.
Each participant shall present one complete musical work.
The repertoire requirements are as follows:
Vocal works may be performed in their original language, in an appropriate translation, or as a vocalise without text.
The accompanying instrument for vocal performances shall normally be piano.
6. POLISH COMPOSERS
For the purposes of these Regulations, "Polish composer" refers to a composer belonging to or recognized as part of the Polish musical tradition.
In cases of doubt concerning the eligibility of a particular work or composer, participants may consult the Kuwait Music Academy.
7. CATEGORY PLACEMENT
Piano and Instrumental categories are determined by artistic and technical level, not by age.
Participants should indicate in their application the category that corresponds to their artistic and technical level.
Following the participant’s performance or evaluation of the submitted video, the Jury reserves the right to assign the participant to a different category if the declared category does not reasonably correspond to the level demonstrated or the submitted repertoire.
The Organizers may request additional information concerning the participant's level or repertoire where necessary.
The final decision concerning category eligibility shall rest with the Organizers.
8. PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS
Each participant shall present one complete musical work appropriate to the selected category and repertoire requirements.
The performance may be presented from memory or from the musical score, at the participant’s choice.
The selected work must comply with the repertoire requirements applicable to the participant's division and category.
The Jury shall evaluate the performance according to artistic criteria appropriate to the participant's instrument, category and level.
9. ONLINE VIDEO REQUIREMENTS
Participants entering the Online Format must submit a video recording of their
performance no later than January 15th 2027.
The recording must:
clearly show the participant and instrument throughout the performance in one continuous take, with no cuts or edits;
contain clear and authentic live sound, with no overdubbing, pitch correction, or other processing that changes the artistic content of the performance.
Further technical requirements concerning camera position, sound, image quality and file submission will be provided by the Organizers.
The participant is responsible for ensuring that the submitted recording complies
with these requirements.
10. APPLICATION AND REGISTRATION
Applications must be submitted no later than January 15th 2027.
The same application deadline applies to both participation formats.
The application must include all information requested by the Organizers, including the participant’s full name, age as of 15 January 2027, country, student’s or parent’s email address, instrument, category, music institution (if applicable), teacher’s full name, and details of the chosen piece, including the composer’s name and the full title of the work, with opus number and work number, where applicable.
Participants receiving private tuition may indicate “Private Tutoring” instead of a
school or music institution.
To submit your application, complete the Registration Google Form.
Online participants must submit their performance recording by January 15th 2027.
Participants may enter more than one category or more than one instrument, subject to the Competition regulations.
A separate registration fee applies to each entry.
11. FEES
Live Format - 15 KD per entry
Online Format - 10 KD per entry
The registration fee is non-refundable and non-transferable.
Payment shall be made by bank transfer.
Bank Details
Account Holder:
KUWAIT MUSIC FOR MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS
Bank:
GULF BANK
Account No.:
91484716
IBAN:
KW30GULB0000000000000091484716
SWIFT:
GULBKWKWXXX
Payment Reference:
Participant’s Full Name – Kuwait Chopin Competition 2027
A copy of the bank transfer confirmation showing the participant's name should
be sent to:
Email subject:
Participant’s Full Name – Chopin Competition 2027 – Payment Confirmation
12. PRIZES AND AWARDS
All participants, regardless of participation format, shall receive a Certificate of Participation/Appreciation.
The following prizes may be awarded in each category:
1st Prize - Honorary Certificate and Chopin Medal for Live Format participants.
Online Format participants awarded 1st Prize shall receive an Honorary Certificate only.
2nd Prize - Honorary Certificate and Chopin Medal for Live Format participants.
Online Format participants awarded 2nd Prize shall receive an Honorary Certificate only.
3rd Prize - Honorary Certificate and Chopin Medal for Live Format participants.
Online Format participants awarded 3rd Prize shall receive an Honorary Certificate only.
The Jury may additionally award Honorable Mention Certificates to participants in either
format.
For the participants and winners from the foreign countries digital copy of certificates will
be send through email. Presented on Gala Concert on February 4th 2027.
GRAND PRIX CHOPIN
The Grand Prix Chopin is awarded exclusively to a participant competing in the Live Format.
The Grand Prix Chopin shall recognize an outstanding participant of the Competition and shall be awarded at the discretion of the Jury.
The recipient of the Grand Prix Chopin shall receive a Grand Prix Chopin Certificate and a Chopin Special Award.
The Grand Prix Chopin shall not be awarded to participants competing in the Online Format.
The Jury and Competition Partners may also present additional Special Awards in recognition of particular artistic achievements. The eligibility and form of such awards shall be determined by the Organizers and/or the awarding partner.
The Jury may recommend selected participants for performance at the Final Concert.
Depending on the results achieved, the Jury reserves the right:
a) not to award a particular prize;
b) to share a prize between two or more participants where appropriate.
The Grand Prix Chopin shall not be divided.
13. FINAL CONCERT
The Final Concert and Award Ceremony will take place on February 4th 2027
The program may include performances by selected Competition participants.
The event will include:
announcement of Competition results;
Award Ceremony;
presentation of certificates, medals and Special Awards;
selected performances by Competition participants.
The Organizers reserve the right to photograph, film and record the Competition and Final Concert for promotional, archival and educational purposes.
14. MEDIA AND RECORDING
By participating in the Competition, participants grant the Organizers permission to photograph, film and record their participation in the Competition and Final Concert.
The Organizers may use excerpts of such recordings and photographs for non-commercial promotional, educational and archival purposes, including publication on the Competition's and Kuwait Music Academy's websites and social media channels.
Participants submitting videos for the Online Format confirm that the submitted recording represents their own performance.
15. FINAL PROVISIONS
Submission of an application constitutes acceptance of these Regulations.
The Organizers reserve the right to make necessary organizational changes to the Competition.
Any matters not expressly covered by these Regulations shall be decided by the Organizers, in consultation with the Jury where appropriate.
The artistic decisions of the Jury and the results are final.
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JURY MEMBERS OF THE 8TH INTERNATIONAL CHOPIN COMPETITION
Head of Jury, Mr. Cezary Owerkowicz - co-founder of Kuwait Music Academy and Director of Treasure of Talents Festival in Kuwait. Graduated with distinction in 1964 Chopin Academy and in 1965 represented Poland on 7th International Chopin Piano Competition. He performed concerts in more than 30 countries, at Carnegie Hall, New York, Moscow, London, Paris, Vienna, Berlin and so on. He obtains his PhD in AMFC in Warsaw, In Kuwait he co-founded in 1992 Kuwait Chamber Philharmonic. The Jury Chairman of the 1st Gulf Young Talents Competition in Bahrain in 1998, and 1st Chopin International Competitions in Bahrain, Qatar, UAE and 7 consecutive editions of Chopin Competitions in Kuwait. He writes regularly as press-publicist.
Mrs. Anna Owerkowicz - Graduated Chopin Academy of Music (AMFC) with distinction in 1971.She won B. Smetana Competition in Czech and represented Poland on 8th International Chopin Competition. She performed widely as a soloist and in 4 hands duo with her husband, Mr Cezary Owerkowicz, in Poland and in several European and Asian countries. In 1985 she moved to Kuwait, where she lectured at higher Institute of Music. She co established there “Treasure of Talents”, educational program and Yearly Young Musician Festival. She cooperated in establishing and was a jury member of seven consecutive editions of Chopin Competitions in Kuwait since 1999.
Ms. Fajer Al Mazidi - Started to play Piano at ten years old, in 2002 became a student of Professor Cezary Owerkowicz, participated in several Piano competitions including the 3rd Chopin Competition held in Kuwait in 2004 and was awarded of the Chopin Prize. She continued her music studies with ABRSM and have reached the Diploma level. After graduating from Kuwait University in 2011 and majoring in Finance. She co-founded Kuwait Music Academy alongside Professor Cezary making it the first professional music school in Kuwait.
Mr. Karol Masternak - Manager and Instructor of Kuwait Music Academy, Graduated piano at Music Academy in Bydgoszcz Poland. He represented Poland at the prestigious 14th International Chopin Competition in Warsaw 2000, in the same year he was nominated as an ambassador of the native city, Szczecin. He also performed many concerts as a piano soloist
and with chamber ensembles in several cities of Poland, Germany, Czech Republic, Norway, Pakistan, France and Gulf Countries. In 2008, he worked at German under outstanding pianist and composer Andreas Kohl. He was a jury member of 5th,6th & 7th Kuwaiti & Gulf International Chopin Competition. In July 2026 performed in Willa Lentza in Szczecin Poland.
Mr. Viktor Shramko - Graduated in 2018 with honors from Orchestral Wind and Percussion Instruments Faculty at R. M. Glier Kyiv Institute of Music in Ukraine from the class of Dmytro
Dryga (principal clarinet of the Academic Symphony Orchestra of the National Philharmonic of Ukraine). Worked in the orchestra of National Radio Company of Ukraine, also as a guest clarinetist he played in the Academic Symphony Orchestra of the National Philharmonic of Ukraine, Kyiv Symphony Orchestra, chamber and orchestral projects of Kyiv Kamerata orchestra. Performed as a soloist, ensemble, and orchestra musician on the most prestigious stages of Ukraine. Since 2016 became a member of Moldovan National Youth Orchestra under Maestros Gabriel Bebeselea (Romania) and Cristian Spătaru (Moldova). In 2017 took part in the Young Euro Classic at Konzerthaus of Berlin. Worked as a Music Instructor in Ukraine and Singapore. Since 2019 teaching at Kuwait Music Academy. In 2024 started role of Branch Manager in addition to Instructor role. In 2025 organised KMA Orchestra project (Instructor and Conductor). He was a member of the jury for the 6th and 7th edition of the Chopin Competition in Kuwait.
Ms. Kinga Masternak - Born in Wadowice, Poland. In 2006 she graduated with honors from piano class of the Music Academy in Bydgoszcz (Poland) under Professor Katarzyna Popowa-Zydroń. She is also a graduate with honors of Frederic Chopin Music College in Cracow (Poland). Kinga completed several master courses on piano under world known professors: A. Orlovetsky, A. Jasiński, V. Nossina, J. Sulikowski, D. Joffe. She has performed as a pianist-soloist and played jointly with music ensembles in Poland, Germany, Pakistan, France, Kuwait,
Qatar. Since 2009 she has been teaching in Kuwait Music Academy. In July 2026 performed in Willa Lentza in Szczecin.
Ms. Inna Agibalova – an esteemed pianist and vocal educator with over two decades of professional experience. She earned degrees in piano and academic vocal from the Prokofiev Music Academy in Donetsk, Ukraine, and later completed her postgraduate studies with honors as a piano with extensive experience as both a teacher and accompanist in Ukraine, Inna has worked with students of all ages and levels, helping them build a strong musical foundation. Since 2003, she has performed as a solo pianist across the Middle East, captivating audiences at prestigious hotels and venues in Qatar, Jordan, Syria, and Kuwait. Since 2012 teaching at the Kuwait Music Academy. She served on the jury of the 7th edition of the Chopin Competition.
Mr. Dmitrii Krasnikov - Graduated in 2018 with honors from Moscow State Tchaikovsky Conservatory under prof. Yury Bashmet. Winner of International Music Competition (Belgrade, 2013), grant holder of Rostropovitch fund and Yury Rozum's fund. Worked as concertmaster of viola group or tutti viola musician in several orchestras in Moscow. Since 2017 lectured violin, piano and music theory for private students. Among performing as violin and viola player also had jazz piano background and some works as composer and arranger. He served on the jury of the 7th edition of the Chopin Competition in Kuwait.
Mr. Kamil Mateusz Derylo - Graduated in 2019, He received his Bachelor of Music Degree from the Faculty of Vocal Music and Drama at the Feliks Nowowiejski Academy of Music in Bydgoszcz. He was constantly giving educational concerts and recitals with other musicians from the Pomeranian Philharmonic Orchestra Hall in Bydgoszcz while living in Poland. Since joining KMA in 2023, his artistic activities have included promoting Polish musical culture through performances in Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan. In July 2026 performed in Willa Lentza in Szczecin. He was a member of the jury of the last edition of the Competition.
