KMA celebrates cultural extravaganza with 7th International Chopin Competition In a year marked by rich cultural milestones — Kuwait being named the Arab Capital of Culture and Poland holding the presidency of the European Union — 2025 also carries special significance for admirers of classical music.
This October, Warsaw will host the 19th edition of the International Chopin Piano Competition, one of the world’s oldest and most prestigious music contests.
Held every five years, the competition has, for nearly a century, been a launching pad for exceptional pianistic talent, opening doors for young musicians to the global stage.
In Kuwait, the spirit of Chopin has echoed since 1999 through the International Chopin Competition, organized by the Kuwait Music Academy. Co-founded by Polish musicians and dedicated to promoting classical music for over 30 years, the academy has become a cornerstone of high-level musical education in the country.
This year’s Seventh Edition was held under the patronage of the National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters, in collaboration with the Embassy of Poland. The competition also enjoyed the generous support of the Ambassadors of France and the United Kingdom, who sponsored special prizes for the participants.
The 2025 competition attracted impressive global interest, with over 120 applications from young pianists of more than thirty nationalities. Following a rigorous selection process, the Grand Prix Prize — sponsored by the Ambassador of Poland — was awarded to Shaun Thomas from India and Shahad Tarik AlAsad from Kuwait.
The gala concert and awards ceremony, held at the Yarmouk Cultural Centre, was graced by the presence of Dr. Mohanned Al Jassar, Secretary General of the National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters, along with the Ambassadors of Poland, France, and Great Britain. The evening began with a performance by distinguished Kuwaiti pianist Mr. Faisal Al-Bahairi, followed by captivating renditions of Chopin’s works by the award-winning musicians.
In his remarks the Ambassador of Poland to Kuwait H.E. Michal Cholewa said it was a privilege for the Embassy to participate in the 7th Chopin International Competition in Kuwait, a meaningful celebration of the timeless beauty and emotional depth of Fryderyk Chopin’s music, an enduring symbol of both Polish and global cultural heritage.
The Embassy, he said, expresses deep honor in joining the Kuwaiti community and international guests in recognizing Chopin’s artistic legacy and extends heartfelt congratulations to the competitors, as well as their instructors and families, for their dedication to mastering Chopin’s works — an effort described as both commendable and admirable.
The Polish envoy said, appreciation also goes to the Kuwait Music Academy, particularly Professor Cezary Owerkowicz, Fajer Al-Mazidi, and Karol Masternak, for their leadership in organizing the competition, which has now been held in Kuwait for over 25 years.
Gratitude was offered to the Kuwaiti hosts, including the YCC and Sheikha Hussah Al-Sabah, and to the NCCAL for granting its patronage to the event.
The Embassy also acknowledges the support of the Ambassadors of France and the United Kingdom, who sponsored several awards, noting Chopin’s strong ties to both countries.
“Finally, sincere thanks go to the jury for their expertise and contribution to shaping the future of classical music in Kuwait and beyond.
The concert marked the closing event of Europe Month celebrations in Kuwait, capping a month-long tribute to cultural exchange, artistic excellence, and international friendship.
