Warsaw concert commemorates 175th anniversary of Chopin’s death

WARSAW, Oct. 18 (Xinhua) — A concert was held here on Thursday night as part of the annual tribute to composer and pianist Frederic Chopin, marking the 175th anniversary of his death.
The event took place at the Holy Cross Church, where Chopin’s heart is enshrined in a pillar on the left side of the church’s nave, symbolizing his enduring bond with his home country.
Thursday’s performance featured Ukrainian pianist Vadym Kholodenko, who played a historic piano from Chopin’s era.
Chopin, on his deathbed, expressed a wish for Mozart’s work to be played at his funeral. With the rhythm of Mozart’s Requiem flowing through a transcription for solo piano by 19th-century German virtuoso, conductor and composer Karl Klindworth, an audience of hundreds gathered to commemorate Chopin.
Last year, a version of the Requiem for String Quartet was performed at the same venue, continuing the tradition of honoring Chopin’s memory with Mozart’s music. ■