TOWARDS CHOPIN
Three questions to Alexander V. Kammel
– International Tourfilm Academy President
Ewa Kotus: As President of the International Tourfilm Academy, you presented the Tourist Owl statuette to the National Fryderyk Chopin Institute for promoting Chopin – related tourism through film, thereby opening our celebrations of the 100th anniversary of the Chopin Competition.
presents the Tourist Owl statuette to Andrzej Kosowski,
Deputy Director of the Fryderyk Chopin Institute for Museum and Education
– Awards Gala of 20th FilmAT Festival
Photo: Maciej Przybyszewski
Thus, the FilmAT Festival, within which the Academy operates, has taken a step further and created a special category group: “Fryderyk Chopin and His Heritage”, in order to showcase Chopin centers around the world that are carrying out truly impressive work. And these are often—something that must be strongly emphasized—very local initiatives undertaken with immense dedication and cultural sensitivity. The subject is, of course, broad, as the categories within this group also include films about universities, famous professors, museums, libraries, experts on musical instruments, leading manufacturers, and more. Symbolic themes are also important, for example the beautiful gesture made by the world of science in tribute to the power of Fryderyk Chopin’s music by giving a newly discovered butterfly the name Lasiophila frederici.
How important is this knowledge for the world?
Alexander V. Kammel:
The International Fryderyk Chopin Piano Competition, held in Warsaw, is one of the most prestigious recurring musical events in the world. Winning the Competition opens the doors of the world’s leading concert halls to a young pianist—participants must be no older than 30 years of age. The Competition attracts exceptionally well-prepared pianists from across the globe, reflecting its extraordinarily high artistic standards.
– Official Announcement of the Results
In the early morning of 21 October 2025, on the steps of the National Philharmonic in Warsaw, Dr Artur Szklener, Director of the National Fryderyk Chopin Institute and Director of the Competition, announced the Jury’s verdict of the 19th International Fryderyk Chopin Piano Competition. The First Prize was awarded to the American pianist Eric Lu, who became the winner of the Competition.
Frame from the National Fryderyk Chopin Institute’s report of 21 October 2025
– Final Announcement of the Results (official announcement of the Competition results).
Frame from the National Fryderyk Chopin Institute’s report of 21 October 2025
– Final Announcement of the Results (official announcement of the Competition results).
This fact underscores the enduring significance of Fryderyk Chopin’s music worldwide. It demonstrates how, in countless places around the world, his musical legacy continues to be cultivated and celebrated rather than fading into obscurity or being overshadowed by other composers. Fryderyk Chopin passed away in 1849, and as his close friend and the great composer Franz Liszt observed after his death: “It is certain that this master has not yet attained the position that the future undoubtedly reserves for him in the history of art.”
I firmly believe that such extraordinary international recognition is sustained not only by outstanding musicians, trained by professors at the world’s finest conservatories and universities, but also by numerous Chopin centres and institutions—some of them deeply rooted in local communities—that preserve and promote the rich legacy associated with Fryderyk Chopin. In many places, this legacy has become an integral part of local identity and cultural life. All of these initiatives are important, as each reaches a different audience and fosters appreciation for the highest artistic and musical values.
For this reason, I consider the creation of a cinematic map of the most significant Chopin-related centres around the world, marking the 100th anniversary of the Chopin Competition, to be a highly worthwhile undertaking. Such a project would not only celebrate Chopin’s global cultural influence but also contribute to the development of Chopin heritage tourism and strengthen international awareness of his enduring legacy.
E.K.: You are Austrian and live in Vienna—the European capital of music—just a few steps from the Vienna State Opera and the Vienna Musikverein, home to the world- famous New Year’s Concert, held each year in its Golden Hall. Yet your ties to Poland are also strong through your mother. The difficult aristocratic fate of her entire family is, of course, a story for a separate conversation. Let us note, however, that your mother was born in Lwów, which was then a Polish city, and spent her childhood and youth in Warsaw—the city of the young Fryderyk Chopin.
You know very well how deeply Poles are connected to Fryderyk Chopin and his music, because it has accompanied us through the most important moments of our often difficult history. For us, He is a symbol of Polish identity… At the same time, musical Vienna recognized Fryderyk Chopin’s genius as early as his first concerts there in the summer of 1829, and it continues to admire him to this day.
Photo: Carl Wenzel Zajicek, author; public domain image from Wikimedia Foundation
What do you feel when you listen to Chopin?
A.V.K.
The music of Fryderyk Chopin became a natural part of my life. There was always a piano in our apartment in Vienna, and family celebrations as well as more formal gatherings were often accompanied by a concert. My mother grew up in Poland, spoke Polish beautifully, and strongly identified with everything related to Polish culture. As a result, I became familiar with Chopin’s music from an early age.
I chose a career in film, but many members of my family in Vienna developed their musical talents professionally. In addition, part of my family lives in Poland, so during the Chopin Competition we experience it together and share the excitement surrounding it.
Vienna is commonly regarded as the musical capital of Europe, but I have to admit that Warsaw is a strong competitor thanks to the International Fryderyk Chopin Piano Competition…:)
E.K.: Allow me to quote the words of the famous Swiss musicologist Jean-Jacques Eigeldinger, an expert on the life of Fryderyk Chopin and his work:
“Fryderyk Chopin reaches the contemporary listener in a wonderful way. We do not need either historical or cultural points of reference in order to understand this music. It contains enormous strength, intimacy, power, and class. The Chopin myth associated with the composer’s work will continue to delight us for a long time to come.”
Do you agree with this opinion?
A.V.K.
One simply has to agree with this opinion. Fryderyk Chopin remains “fashionable”, and many celebrities admit in interviews that they are virtually addicted to his music. The world moves forward, musically as well, and if it still stops for Fryderyk Chopin, it means that this is simply what the world needs…
“When I am in Warsaw, there are places I like to visit…”
Photos: Ewa Kotus
E.K. Thank you for the interview.