The two weeks that I spent in Poland flashed by. Last year in the fall, I decided to participate in an online international piano competition (Chopin Avenue International Piano Competition) to test my skill and ability, which later changed my life dramatically. Moreover, this piano competition was a Chopin-related piano competition and, since I look up to him the most, I thought this piano competition was perfect for me. This piano competition allows the winners of the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd prize to visit Poland and perform at the famous concert hall. Contentedly, I succeeded in the first round of this competition and earned the 3rd prize in the final round. The reason why I decided to participate in this piano competition is because my favorite composer is Chopin. I think he is the most tremendous composer since every piece of music he makes is elegant. His alluring melody heals my heart and makes me feel relaxed. Not only this reason but also when I was 5 years old, just about a year when I started learning how to play piano, my piano teacher gave me a CD of Chopin’s piano concerto, which inspired me to play more of his music. Since I listened to that CD, I had always wanted to visit Chopin’s hometown and explore his music more.
In what felt like the blink of an eye, the 2-week trip to Poland had already started. Everything was special to me.
3 days after my arrival, I performed at The Warsaw National Philharmonic Orchestra hall, the place where Chopin International Piano Competition is held every 5 years. Every sound I made bounced like a bubble just when I started playing. Not only this, but this concert hall echoed every sound I played, which sounded like a crystal diamond. I also had an opportunity to perform at a castle as well, in a small city called Pszczyna. The chandeliers were sparkling and there were gorgeous ceilings and tremendous monuments. This castle inspired me to play the music more elegantly.
In addition to performing at the recital hall, I had the great chance to take a master class. I took Professor Jasinski’s class, who was one of the judges of the Chopin International Piano Competition. He gave me a lot of valuable advice which allows me to play Chopin’s music even more attractively and charmingly.
I really want to thank all my parents, teachers, and friends who supported me, and I hope I can go back to Poland again!
私は、去年の秋にChopin Avenue International Piano Competition というコンクールで3位入賞し、ポーランドに招待されるというとても良い機会がありました。私は、幼い頃からショパンの曲がとても好きで、いつかポーランドで演奏したいという憧れの気持ちが強く、今回、2週間ほどポーランドに滞在したのですが、そこでは経験したことのない様々な学びが待っていました。
ショパン国際ピアノコンクールが行われる国立ワルシャワフィルハーモニーホールで演奏することができたり、歴史あるお城で演奏するチャンスがあったりしました。また、ポーランドの音楽学校でコンサートをするなどたくさんの演奏会を経験させていただきました。自分自身の演奏だけではなく、他の参加者の方々の素晴らしい演奏を聴いたり、プログラムの中で訪問したショパンの博物館や生家、ワジェンキ公園などでは有名なピアニストの演奏を聴く機会もたくさんあったりしました。ポーランドの自然と独特な空気感の中で伸びやかな音色を出しているピアニスト達の姿に感動し、自分自身も現地でのコンサートではこの世界感を大切にしながらより繊細な音を出すことを心がけようと思いました。滞在後半では、音楽大学にて世界的に有名な教授のマスタークラスを受けさせていただきました。ショパンらしい音色を奏でる際に必要な要素や楽譜の中に隠されたショパンからのメッセージを読み解きながら繊細で美しいメロディーを出す奏法など、一つ一つ体感が学びになりました。
この素晴らしい経験をさせていただいたことに感謝しつつ、ショパンの優美な音色を今後も追及していきたいと思います。