Chopin Foundation of the United States

Mission

The Chopin Foundation’s mission is to 1) assist young, talented American pianists develop their careers as international concert artists; 2) make classical music, and above all the music of Frederic Chopin, accessible to everyone.

About
In 1975, and in collaboration with the University of Miami’s School of Music, Mrs. Blanka Rosenstiel presented the First National Chopin Piano Competition of the United States (“National Competition”) in Miami. Its success inspired Mrs. Rosenstiel to establish the Chopin Foundation of the United States (“Chopin Foundation”) which was incorporated in 1977. The Chopin Foundation continues to present the National Competition every five years. The 10th edition of the National Competition took place in Miami, February 22 - March 1, 2020.

For more than 40 years, the Chopin Foundation and the National Chopin Piano Competition have earned a prestigious reputation in Miami, across the US, and abroad as the foremost proponent of the music of Chopin and talented American pianists. Through competition prizes, scholarships and performance opportunities, the organization has touched the lives of thousands of young artists.

What makes the Chopin Foundation unique?
• As the presenter of the National Chopin Competition, one of the most esteemed piano events in the US, the Foundation supports the development of talented young American musicians. Held every five years since 1975, the Competition brings the finest American pianists to Miami from across the country. The top two winners of the National Competition receive automatic entrance to the prestigious International Chopin Competition in Warsaw. Additionally, the Foundation pays all travel expenses to Warsaw for four other finalists, which enables them to participate in the International Chopin Competition’s required live auditions.

• We offer an annual National Scholarship Program to American piano students, ages 14 - 17 for up to four years on a renewable basis. Over 200 scholarships have been granted since 1998 to selected piano students from 20 states across the US.

• We help young pianists at the start of their careers by arranging public concerts nationally and through participation in our international exchange program. The Chopin Foundation has a long-standing reputation of discovering and supporting exceptionally talented American pianists, as well as showcasing them on concert stages around the world.

• The organization networks and partners with music schools, music organizations and music teachers associations on local, state, national and international levels. These relationships are key to identifying and supporting the best new musical talent emerging in the classical world today. We also belong to the International Federation of Chopin Societies, a member of UNESCO.

• For 20 years, the organization has presented South Florida communities with high quality monthly classical music concerts featuring some of the most accomplished rising piano stars FREE of charge. The Chopin for All series has seen a steady growth in its audience base – over 5,000 in attendance annually – which is comprised of a diverse group of music lovers from the region. Audience members include retirees and sophisticated community professionals – 65% attending are over 50. More young people are attending each year with an increase in the number of families with children, and in particular those with children who are piano students.

• The Chopin Foundations boasts an exclusive paid Membership base comprised of approximately 100 influential members of the community who appreciate the classical arts and enjoy membership privileges and events. Three elegant Salon Concerts are presented for members, their guests and the general public, each season.

• Also, in keeping with Mrs. Rosenstiel’s goal of developing the Chopin Foundation nationally, several Regional Councils were established. The regional councils promote the Chopin Foundation’s mission and enrich the communities they serve through concerts and competitions. Currently there are regional councils in San Francisco, Seattle and Virginia.