Chinese-American Pianist Strikes Right Chord to Win Chopin Piano Competition

When 27-year-old pianist Eric Lu heard his name announced as the winner of the 19th International Chopin Piano Competition in Warsaw, Poland, on Tuesday, he looked both shy and overwhelmed.

"I'm so grateful for this honor. I'm grateful for all the Chopin lovers around the world who watched online and all the audience here in Warsaw," he said softly. "This is a dream come true."

Often described as the "Olympics of piano," the International Chopin Piano Competition is held every five years and is among the most demanding contests in classical music. Li Yundi is so far the only Chinese national to have won the top honor at the 14th edition in 2000.

Ten years ago, at just 17, Lu finished fourth. This time, he returned to stand at the top of the podium to crown a decade of growth and progress.

On stage, Lu plays with focus and deep emotion. Off stage, he speaks with modesty. In interviews before the final round, he described this period as "the most difficult three weeks" of his life.

Growing up in the United States, Lu has a mother from Shanghai and a father from Taiwan. His parents are computer engineers, but classical music has always been a significant part of their family life. He showed interest in piano at age 5 after watching his sister practice.

"We never pushed him," his mother surnamed Xie, told Shanghai-based The Paper. "We respected his choices and let him develop freely." Lu's first teacher, Yang Jingchuan, a graduate of the Shanghai Conservatory of Music, laid a solid foundation for his musical journey.

In 2013, he entered the Curtis Institute of Music, alma mater of famed pianists Lang Lang and Yuja Wang. Two years later, he made his debut at the International Chopin Piano Competition, earning fourth place and showing his early potential. In 2018, he won the Leeds International Piano Competition in Britain. He began to expand his career globally, including in London, Paris, Berlin and Shanghai.

He holds his own music philosophy. "I'd rather spend three years on one piece than play three pieces in one year. Music needs time. You have to grow with it."

Now based in the German capital Berlin, Lu has found his own rhythm in a city known for its rich classical music scene. For him, the soul of classical music lies in live performance, where people put down their phones and listen. Each performance captures the unique state of the artist at that very moment. The immersion and interaction in concert halls can never be replicated online.

Lu sees his multi-cultural background as an advantage. "The achievements of Chinese pianists have reshaped global views of Asian musicians," he said. "I choose to ignore the disadvantages and just try to do my best."

Lu keeps a close connection to his Shanghai roots. "I spent ten months there when I was one. My mom often talks about her hometown and cooks Chinese food."

He gave two solo recitals in Shanghai in 2018 and 2024. The focus and engagement of Shanghai audience left a deep impression on Lu. He called them "among the best in the world."