Poland’s Paderewski Piano Competition Announces 2022 Winners

Polish pianist Mateusz Krzyżowski won first prize along with a €30,000 cash award

The triennial Paderewski Piano Competition is open to pianists from around the world born between 1990 and 2006. The finals for its 12th edition were held between November 18 and 19, 2022.

Founded in 1961, the competition is named for Polish pianist, composer, and politician Ignacy Jan Paderewski, and aims to promote young pianists and Polish culture worldwide. 

As the first-prize winner, Mateusz Krzyżowski received performance opportunities including a series of recitals in Japan in March 2023, as well as across Europe; an award gala concert; performances in Berliner Philharmonie; plus concert engagements with the Sinfonie Orchester Berlin and Pomeranian Philharmonic Orchestra. 

Second prize and €15,000 went to López Salas Pedro from Spain, who also won the special prize for the best semifinal recital. Third prize with €7,000 was awarded to Danylo Saienko from Ukraine. Both pianist Shio Okui from Japan and Polish pianist Piotr Pawlak received honorable mentions with €2,500 each.

In the finals, participants played a piano concerto of their choice with the Pomeranian Hall Symphony Orchestra and conductor Jakub Chrenowicz. The Final round streamed here on The Violin Channel.

Competition laureates will also have recital opportunities across the U.S. and various cities in Europe, including Tbilisi, Vienna, Vilnius, and Głogówek. The November 20, 2022, Laureate's Concert can be viewed here.

The jury comprised Rafał Blechacz, Thai Son Dang, Stanislav Ioudenitch, Nikita Mndoyants, Alberto Nosè, Noriko Ogawa, Alicja Paleta-Bugaj, competition artistic director Piotr Paleczny, and jury vice-chairwoman Vanessa Latarche. 

“I cannot possibly describe how happy and honored I feel to have won the Second Prize at one of the most prestigious piano competitions in the world,” Pedro said. “I can only thank the prestigious jury for awarding me these prizes, and of course, my dearest Professor Norma Fisher, for her highly valuable guidance and warm support all the way through!”