Performing for Krystian Zimerman

On October 8th, 2015, I had an honour of performing during the presentation of the title of an Honorary Doctor of the Fryderyk Chopin University of Music in Warsaw, Poland, to Maestro Krystian Zimerman - the Artist, whom I so much admire and who greatly influenced my artistic path. In 1975, I was just 10-years old, when Maestro became the First Prize Winner of the 9th International Fryderyk Chopin Piano Competition in Warsaw, Poland. Amazed with his playing, I decided already then, that one day, I will be willing to follow his footsteps. 10 long years, powered by that dream, I was preparing for the 11th Edition of the Chopin Competition in Warsaw, where I finally won Third Prize and Bronze Medal in 1985. Over 30 years later, I was one of the two Professors reviewing in the process of awarding Maestro the Honorary Doctor title, and having a pleasure to perform during the Award Ceremony which happened to be a part of the Inauguration of the Academic Year 2015/2016.

What has happened on October 8th, 2015 was both emotional and deeply touching. In all my dreams, I wouldn't be able to imagine such an event - performing for Krystian Zimerman, having him sitting on stage of the F. Chopin University of Music, just behind my back, having so many distinguished guests in the concert hall of our University, and having so many pianists among listeners - including some of the Jury Members of the 17th International Fryderyk Chopin Piano Competition. My memories were incredibly alive again, bringing me back to all those years and moments. The feeling was a little similar to the one I remember from the competition back in 1985...