Gala Chopin concert closes Europe Month celebrations
This year, Kuwait has been recognized as the Arab Capital of Culture, while Poland holds the presidency of the European Union. The year 2025 also holds special significance for enthusiasts of Chopin's music. In October, Warsaw will host the 19th edition of the International Chopin Piano Competition — one of the oldest and most prestigious music competitions in the world. Held every five years, the event has, for nearly a century, discovered outstanding piano talents and launched the international careers of young musicians.
In Kuwait, since 1999, many gifted young musicians have competed in the International Chopin Competition organized by the Kuwait Music Academy. Co-founded by Polish musicians, the academy has promoted classical music and provided high-level music education in Kuwait for over 30 years. This year, the 7th edition of the competition was organized in collaboration with the Embassy of Poland and under the patronage of the National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters (NCCAL). The event also received strong support from the French and British ambassadors, who sponsored special prizes for participants.
More than 30 nationalities were represented among the applicants. After reviewing 120 submissions, the jury awarded the Grand Prix Prize — founded by the ambassador of Poland — to Shaun Thomas (India) and Shahad Tarik AlAsad (Kuwait).
The gala concert and award ceremony took place at the Yarmouk Cultural Centre and was attended by Dr Mohanned Al-Jassar Secretary General of the NCCAL, along with the ambassadors of Poland, France and Great Britain. The evening began with an opening performance by distinguished Kuwaiti pianist Faisal Al-Bahairi, followed by the Grand Prix winners performing select works by Chopin. The concert also marked the closing of the Europe Month celebrations, which took place throughout May.
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