RCM Alum Kevin Chen (ARCT ’17) Claims Silver Medal at 19th International Chopin Piano Competition
RCM Alum Kevin Chen (ARCT ’17) Claims Silver Medal at 19th International Chopin Piano Competition
Published on October 21, 2025
Chen receives €40,000 prize, adding to impressive resume of competition wins
Photo: Wojciech Grzędziński / National Institute of Frederic Chopin
When Kevin Chen sat down at the piano in Warsaw for the finals of the prestigious International Chopin Competition, it wasn’t just another performance, it was the continuation of a journey that started years earlier in Calgary and took shape at The Royal Conservatory of Music. The 20-year-old pianist’s performance of Chopin’s Piano Concerto in E minor, Op. 11 was exceptional enough to earn him second prize in one of the most respected events in the classical music world. Chen received €40,000 (approx. $65,000 Cdn) for finishing as the silver medalist.
American Eric Lu won first prize and took home €65,000 ($98,000 Cdn).
Chen earned his Associate of The Royal Conservatory (ARCT) diploma in piano performance in 2017, a credential widely recognized as a mark of advanced musical training. He was just nine years old when he completed all of the requirements, and was the youngest student to receive First Class Honours with Distinction on this culminating level. His progress since then has been steady and focused, shaped by a deep connection to the music of Chopin and supported by the foundation he built through the Conservatory’s rigorous program.
“The Royal Conservatory is thrilled to have played a part in developing the extraordinary talent and artistry of such an accomplished and inspiring musician. On behalf of our entire community across Canada, we congratulate Kevin on winning the silver medal — and extend heartfelt thanks to all of his teachers for helping him reach this remarkable milestone.”
Alexander Brose
Michael and Sonja Koerner President & CEO
The Royal Conservatory
The Chopin Competition, held every five years in Warsaw, draws top young pianists from around the world. Reaching the final round is a major milestone in any artist’s career and for Chen, it marks another step in a path that has included performances with major orchestras and first prizes at international competitions.
Only 84 of the 600 pianists who applied to enter were selected for the first round, which kicked off on October 2. In addition to Chen, four other Canadians were selected to enter the 2025 competition: Athena Deng, Eric Guo, Ryan Wang and Victoria Wong. Guo, a student at The Royal Conservatory’s Glenn Gould School, and winner of the 2nd International Chopin Competition on Period Instruments in 2023, made it as far as the semi-finals of the competition.
“Kevin’s performances combine technical brilliance, musical intelligence, personal insights, and artistry of the highest level. His achievement not only honours Chopin’s timeless legacy but also shines a light on the strength of Canadian pianism on the world stage.”
Dr. Janet Lopinski
Vice President, Academics and Publishing, The Royal Conservatory
and
President and Artistic Director of the Canadian Chopin Society
Chen’s place among the finalists earned him international attention — and reflects the strength of Canada’s classical music community. For those who have followed his development since his early teens, his achievement at the Chopin Competition is not a surprise, but a well-earned result of years of dedication. Chen has also won major competitions in Tel Aviv (2023 Arthur Rubinstein Piano Master Competition), Geneva (2022 Concours de Genève), and Budapest (2019 Franz Liszt International Piano Competition).