Piotr Paleczny

Artistic Director, Chairman of the Competition Jury

Ladies and Gentlemen, ‘I have accepted and held the function of the Artistic Director of the I. J. Paderewski Piano Competition as both a great honor and a significant challenge. But above all personal honors, I value the deep satisfaction and joy that we all probably feel observing the great development of the Competition in the last few editions. Over a period of several years, thanks to the efforts of the organizers, the I. J. Paderewski Competition, from the position of a valuable, albeit local competition, has risen to an artistic and organizational level that guarantees truly international recognition and prestige available only to the most serious international piano competitions! This is undoubtedly a great success, but also our great common responsibility - a commitment not only to maintain the already achieved level, but above all, to ensure its further dynamic development. I can assure you that this is a task that I care deeply about. ‘

Prof. Katarzyna Popowa-Zydroń

President of the Paderewski Music Association

‘The figure of Ignacy Jan Paderewski is a great inspiration for the young pianist - a stunning career and friendships in the highest circles of politics and the aristocracy, great fortune and enormous charity, a true patriot and committed activist for the newly created Polish state. The competition dedicated to his memory is designed as an impulse in the development of a young artist - a rich concert offer, cash prizes, contacts with leading figures in the piano world. The IJ Paderewski Piano Competition meets high international standards and the winners of the leading places have a statutory guaranteed participation in the International Chopin Competition in Warsaw. This is an event worth appearing at.’

Nikita Mndoyants

1st prize winner of the 8th Competition, 2007

‘The Paderewski Competition is one of most important international piano competitions today. I am honored to be one of the winners of this competition and 13 years after winning I can say that it was the establishing moment of my career. Most importantly, the competition takes care of their prize winners and organizes many concerts in the most important venues in Europe. I highly encourage you to participate.’

Arie Vardi

Jury member of the 10th Competition, 2016

‘Poland is a country where piano music is indeed a national pride. Hats off to the Paderewski Competition for representing this great passion, introducing a great International attraction, all over the world, for young pianists, alongside the superb local level of piano playing.’

Jun-ichi Nihei

Executive Producer of the Japan Paderewski Association

‘The Japan Paderewski Association is carrying out promotional support for the Paderewski International Piano Competition, as well as promoting prizewinners. It also held the Polish Culture Festival 2019 in Japan, celebrating the 100th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Poland. 
It is our sincere hope that the Paderewski International Competition continues to make the magnificent character and superb music of Ignacy Jan Paderewski even more well known throughout the world, to further grow and develop, and to contribute to the friendship between our two countries.’

Lilian Barretto

Jury member of the 11th Competition, 2019

‘To be part of the Paderewski International Piano Competition Jury was a rather remarkable experience due to the great talents who performed in the competition, in addition to the fine professionals involved in the Coordination Board.’

Hyuk Lee

1st prize winner of the 10th Competition, 2016

The Paderewski Piano Competition, named after the great musician and Poland's first Prime Minister, was a turning point for me, allowing me the opportunity to expand my capabilities as a pianist. The Paderewski Piano Competition, with its potential to broaden your musical horizons with great passion, was a new light for me and a great driving force to make me leap forward. I wish endless prosperity and great development to the Paderewski Piano Competition’

Philipp Lynov

1st prize winner of the 11th Competition, 2019

‘Participating in the International Paderewski Piano Competition was one of the brightest experiences in my life. It was great not only to be in the marvellous city of Bydgoszcz, but also to perform on different stages in front of the wonderful audience and the great jury members. I believe that this unique event can play a very important role in the lives of young musicians from all over the world.’