The PennZone

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - PennZone -- The Nashville International Chopin Piano Competition (NICPC), co-directed by Joshua Izzard (CEO/Administrative Director) and Dr. Graciella Kowalczyk (President/Artistic Director), has completed a landmark summer of international reach and now turns toward an ambitious season of programs leading into its December 2025 edition.

Chopin in Cyprus: A Celebrated Launch

In June, NICPC inaugurated the Chopin in Cyprus International Piano Festival and Concerto Competition, held under the auspices of the Republic of Cyprus Deputy Ministry of Culture. Partnering with the Cyprus Symphony Orchestra and led by Maestro Charles Olivieri-Munroe, the festival featured masterclasses, lessons, recitals, and orchestral readings. The week concluded with a gala concert at the Pallas Theatre in Nicosia, where finalists performed Chopin concerti. Top prizes went to Heming Yu (China), Belle Chi (United States), Keshav Krishnan (Netherlands), and Sofia Rukina (Russia).

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Worldwide Auditions Near Completion

This summer also saw live auditions in Shenyang, China; Tbilisi, Georgia; and Prague, Czechia, where outstanding pianists were admitted to the December finals in Nashville, many with full travel scholarships. The Czech programming also featured an extraordinary performance of the Chopin F minor concerto, performed by Artistic Director Graciella Kowalczyk with Executive Director Charles Olivieri-Munroe and the North Czech Philharmonic.

The final audition round will be held October 16–17 in Bangkok, Thailand, offering pianists in Asia a final chance to qualify with fully funded travel to Nashville.

Online submissions, the largest application category, will be evaluated beginning October 18, 2025 by a broad international panel of leading Chopin interpreters.

December Competition and New Institute

The Second Edition of NICPC will take place December 14–19, 2025, with an expanded format, more than $100,000 in prizes, and a distinguished international jury. For the first time, NICPC will also present the Chopin in Nashville International Piano Institute, a new educational initiative offering young pianists (non-competitors) masterclasses with jurors and guest faculty alongside immersive access to the competition.

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November Fundraiser and Winter Community Initiatives

Ahead of the competition, NICPC will hold its Annual Fundraiser in November, bringing together sponsors, artists, and supporters to sustain its mission.

Meanwhile, Music City Chopin's Metro Nashville Piano Donation Program will continue its expansion this winter. Following the 2024 donation of ten artistically transformed pianos with the support of Southern Land Company, Tennessee Titans, Nashville Predators, and others, and Gibson Gives' 2025 gift of three Baldwin grands, the program will further extend its reach across Metro Nashville schools.

Looking Ahead

"We are delighted to be connecting Chopin's music from Mediterranean concert halls to Nashville classrooms," said Dr. Kowalczyk. "This season unites global artistry with local impact, fulfilling our mission to make excellence in music accessible to all."

Details of NICPC's new venue and education partnerships will be announced in a forthcoming release.

For more information on NICPC programs, auditions, institute enrollment, or sponsorship opportunities, please visit www.nashvillechopin.org.