For the first time in its history, the entire Chopin Competition can be watched live on television. TVP Kultura broadcasts and then reruns all the competition auditions—130 hours of air time in all. This is quite an unprecedented event that may open a new chapter as far as the presence of music on Polish TV is concerned. It turns out that such coverage is capable of generating a lot of interest among viewers, especially as they can compare their opinions with those delivered by experts. Individual performances are commented on an ongoing basis by the hosts of the Chopin Competition Studio, Jacek Hawryluk and Adam Rozlach, and guest commentators Prof. Elżbieta Tarnawska and Jan Popis. Various other guests are also invited to join the discussion about all the most important issues linked with the Chopin Competition and interpretations of the composer’s music. With cameras behind the scenes, viewers can also delve into the tension-filled atmosphere accompanying the performances of the young pianists. It is also worth noting that all the programs linked with the Chopin Competition on TVP Kultura are broadcast online at www.itvp.pl.
Robert Kamyk
Head of the Theater, Arts and Music Desk; TVP Kultura