Eric Lu: Champion of the Chopin Piano Competition

American pianist Eric Lu has emerged as the winner of the prestigious International Chopin Piano Competition in Warsaw, capturing the attention of classical music enthusiasts around the globe.

Following extensive deliberations from a 17-person international jury, chaired by American pianist Garrick Ohlsson, Lu was awarded a 60,000-euro prize and a gold medal. The announcement, made in the early hours of Tuesday, saw a visibly moved Lu expressing his gratitude to the Chopin lovers worldwide who tuned in online and the live audience in Warsaw. Lu shared his heartfelt appreciation for the honor bestowed upon him by the jury.

Eric Lu, a 27-year-old graduate of the Curtis Institute, has previously claimed the title at the Leeds International Piano Competition in 2018 and has made appearances with prominent orchestras, including those in Boston, London, and Chicago. He has two albums released under Warner Classics, featuring works by Schubert, Chopin, Schumann, and Brahms, as highlighted by the Chopin Competition's website.

This year's event, which traces its roots to almost a century ago and draws inspiration from the Olympic Games, showcased 84 talented participants from around the world, with 11 making it to the finals. The competition, named in honor of the renowned Polish composer Frederic Chopin, takes place every five years on the anniversary of Chopin's death, around October 17, and continues to uphold a rich tradition of promoting classical music excellence.