About  The Chopin Society of Houston

As many pianists, musicians, music lovers, and authorities agree, Chopin’s music is the best and the most beautiful music written for the piano. We, here in Texas at the Chopin Society of Houston, share this opinion enthusiastically and organize Chopin Youth Competitions, “Chopin Lives!” workshops, recitals, and master classes every year.

In October 2003, the Third International Chopin Youth Competition took place with over 100 young pianists participating. These young pianists of different backgrounds, upbringing, and ethnic groups were brought together by the same love and language of Chopin’s music. This language that knows no borders is a treasure for all of humanity.

At every competition, honorable judges choose the outstanding performances and we, the organizers, decorate them with beautiful medals. Our medals, artistically created by the famous Houston sculptor Pat Moberly Moore, are a source of great pride for us and a treasure for those who receive them.

Master classes are designed to offer a chance for young pianists to meet outstanding music personalities, often pianists of Polish origin, and benefit from hearing the master teachers’ input on the interpretations of Chopin’s music. Workshops widen their horizons on Chopin’s style and repertoire, and they inspire young pianists to prepare for the next competition and new music.

Just as our competitions offer venues where students can showcase their talent and hard work, workshops teach them about history, style, and Chopin as a living, loving, suffering man who expressed all this in his own beautiful way.

We also organize games, poetry contests, and essay contests. Our students often choose Chopin as their favorite personality and Poland as their country of interest in their school projects. Here in far away Texas, Chopin is heard, loved, and very well known.

Last October, the Chopin Society of Houston, inspired by the Van Cliburn Amateur Pianist Competition, organized its first Competition for Adult Amateur Pianists. It was a very inspiring and joyful event, open to non-professional pianists over the age of 27. The top prize was awarded to John Slaby, a 43 year old engineer holding a PhD in chemical engineering who also works with oil paintings as a part-time artist.

The Chopin Society of Houston was founded in 2000 after a very successful first Chopin Youth competition in 1999, commemorating the 150th anniversary of Chopin’s death.