The Chopin Competition in Warsaw is one of the most important and prestigious of its kind. It is a place where tradition meets artistic freedom, where Western musicians meet more and more competitors from the East. The competition launched the international careers of such great stars as Martha Argerich, Vladimir Ashkenazy, Maurizio Pollini…
Five competitors and jury members – Martha ARGERICH among them – allow us to follow this rare event from the ‘inside’ – the event only takes place every 5 years! Two schools of thought oppose each other, sometimes violently: that of pure art and that of the great show!! Each competitor is heavily committed – physically, aesthetically and financially. The goal: get noticed, of course! Be noticed by international agents and record companies represents a considerable feat. Backstage, the best among them start talking contract… In 2000, the feat was performed by an unknown Chinese pianist with an entourage like a top athlete. The Competition breaks the weak and rewards the most talented – or the most ‘mediatised’…