PKN ORLEN sponsors the XV International Frederic Chopin Piano Competition

PKN ORLEN’s wide-ranging engagement in this year’s competition is aimed at the conservation of Chopin’s music as part of Poland’s national heritage.

In December 2004 PKN ORLEN bought at an auction at Sotheby's in London the 173-year old manuscript of the cis-moll (C minor) op. 10 nr 4 etude by Frederic Chopin. This working autograph contains three pages, which are heavily annotated and on the third page the composer noted down the day of the etude's creation: "Paris, 6th Aug., 1832". The notes also contain corrections made by the composer's hand. Having arrived in Poland the manuscript has been ceremonially transferred by the benefactors to the Frederik Chopin Museum in the Ostrogskis Palace in Warsaw.

The International Frederic Chopin Piano Competition was initiated in 1927 and is one of the oldest music competitions if this kind in the world. It is commonly recognised as one of the world’s most prominent cultural events and it enjoys widespread honour and recognition. It provides an excellent occasion for critics, musicologists, the media and music lovers to share their opinions on musical culture.

This year’s competition has attracted a record breaking 323 pianists, of which 12 will perform in the final. In addition to the regular awards, additional awards will also be granted. This year a stipendium for the Polish best piano player will be sponsored by the ORLEN Dar Serca foundation.

The Chopin competitions have traditionally been accompanied by a number of additional events, spectacles and meetings. PKN ORLEN is an exclusive sponsor of the series of live competition broadcasts on Channel II of Polish Radio. Moreover, the Company is an exclusive partner of RMF Classic radio in organizing a series of concerts and impromptu events under the theme OPEN FOR CHOPIN. The concerts, which will be held in Warsaw (1 October), Gdynia (9 October), Wroclaw (14 October) and Szczecin (22 October), will provide an excellent occasion to listen to Chopin’s music in both standard and jazz presentations. PKN ORLEN will also exclusively sponsor a supplement to Rzeczpospolita, the Polish daily, with a Chopin music CD by Krzysztof Jablonski.