For two decades, Polish photojournalist Wojciech Grzędziński has documented two profoundly different worlds: the harsh realities of war zones and the refined atmosphere of the Fryderyk Chopin International Piano Competition in Warsaw. This unusual pairing forms the core of his acclaimed photographic work, offering a unique perspective on human emotion under extreme conditions.
Key Takeaways
- Wojciech Grzędziński photographs both war zones and the Chopin Piano Competition.
- He sees a common thread in the extreme human emotions present in both environments.
- Grzędziński has been the official photographer for the Chopin Competition since 2005.
- His work includes capturing candid backstage moments of pianists under pressure.
- One notable photograph shows a Ukrainian pianist playing Chopin after a bombing.
Documenting Contrasting Realities
Wojciech Grzędziński is a respected photojournalist. He has received awards such as the World Press Photo, Grand Press Photo, Visa d'Or, and Sony World Photography Awards. His career has often placed him in the middle of armed conflicts. He has reported from Lebanon, Georgia, South Sudan, and Afghanistan. Since Russia's full-scale invasion, he has spent many months in Ukraine.
Despite his focus on global conflicts, Grzędziński makes a point to return to Warsaw every five years. This return is for the Chopin International Piano Competition. He serves as the event's official photographer. The competition organizers, known for their strict selection process, trust his unique photographic vision.
Fact File: The Chopin Competition
- Held every five years since 1927 in Warsaw, Poland.
- Attracts classical music enthusiasts globally.
- Considered a critical event for young pianists hoping for a worldwide career.
- The 19th edition featured 84 participants from 18 countries.
- This year's final round runs from October 18 to 20.
Finding Common Ground in Extreme Emotion
Many people find it surprising that Grzędziński's work spans both war and classical music. He explains that he never considered himself solely a war photojournalist. "Paradoxically, I photographed the first Chopin Competition a year before I went to my first conflict," Grzędziński stated. He views these two areas as intertwined in his photographic journey. The competition is not an escape for him. Instead, it offers a distinct photographic challenge, far removed from the front lines.
"For me, the key to photography is a human being in an extreme moment of life," Grzędziński explained during a break at Warsaw's National Philharmonic Hall. "There is a stage in front of us where all the pianists who come here to face and try their hand at the competition are placed in an absolutely extreme situation." He noted that pianists also measure themselves against others and face judgment from the jury and audience. "This is a borderline situation and the same, I feel, is the extreme of a war situation. Of course, the risks are different, but the level of emotion accompanying these events is paradoxically very similar."
Grzędziński believes that both environments bring out intense human emotions. The high stakes in both situations create moments of raw feeling. This emotional intensity is what he aims to capture with his lens. He seeks to reveal the human experience at its most profound, whether on a battlefield or a concert stage.
Behind the Scenes at the Competition
Grzędziński first photographed the Chopin Competition in 2005. He recalls being sent there by his editor after a difficult assignment. "I was a photographer for 'Rzeczpospolita', which is still the competition's media patron. After a difficult trip to Belarus, where I contracted various illnesses, my boss Michał Sadowski said: 'Go to the Chopin Competition, you'll rest there'. It's perverse, considering how much work there is at the competition," he said with a smile.
His approach to covering the competition was different. He moved beyond just showing pianists on stage. He began to photograph backstage areas, revealing the demanding life of a musician. This included countless hours of lonely practice and rigorous training. Grzędziński noted that a musician's life shares similarities with an athlete's, involving years of dedication and sacrifice.
This year's 19th edition of the competition saw 84 participants. They came from 18 countries. China had 28 pianists, Poland and Japan each had 13. Forty pianists, including four Poles, advanced to the second stage. The organizers provide the best conditions for concentration. Grzędziński has full access to backstage areas, allowing him to capture the true atmosphere. His photographs show how music connects people across borders, using the universal language of Chopin's compositions.
Background: The National Institute of Fryderyk Chopin (NIFC)
The NIFC is the main organizer of the International Chopin Piano Competition. It works to promote and preserve the legacy of Fryderyk Chopin. The Institute is responsible for the rigorous selection of participants and the overall organization of the prestigious event. Their trust in Grzędziński allows him to document the competition intimately.
Observing Passion and Stress
Grzędziński observes each pianist as an individual. Participants range from 16 to nearly 30 years old. Each carries a different level of experience. He finds it fascinating to watch how they manage stress. Some show visible tension, while others try to isolate themselves from the surrounding reality to maintain focus.
He emphasizes that the passion of these musicians truly captivates him. Entering the competition requires years of preparation and practice. "Some people give their first concerts at the age of four! We are talking about a situation where a person in their twenties already has 15 years of professional experience! It is unbelievable to meet such people and interact with them," Grzędziński shared.
This deep commitment to their craft, combined with the immense pressure of the competition, creates a compelling subject for his photography. He aims to show the human story behind the technical brilliance.
When War Meets Chopin: A Powerful Image
Sometimes, Grzędziński's two worlds unexpectedly intersect. One such moment led to him winning the Photograph of the Year award at Grand Press Photo 2022. This image captured a poignant scene in Ukraine in March 2022.
He recounted the event: "It was probably on the fifth of March 2022. A bomb fell on Biala Cerkiew, a town about 80 kilometres south of Kyiv. Suddenly there was an explosion in the town where we were. Kyiv was encircled on three sides by the Russians." Grzędziński went to the scene of the explosion. One of the damaged homes belonged to Irina Maniukina, a 48-year-old pianist.
Her house had a burned facade, broken doors, and debris everywhere. Her daughter sustained minor injuries. Amidst the destruction, Maniukina approached her piano. She removed its protective cover and began to play Chopin. The instrument was out of tune, and the room had shattered windows. "And I had shivers at that moment. Because these are my two photographic worlds... Suddenly, they intersected in one place and at one moment," Grzędziński described.
This photograph powerfully illustrates the resilience of the human spirit and the enduring nature of art, even in the face of conflict. It brought together the two seemingly disparate themes that define Grzędziński's work.
Exhibition and Legacy
The Fryderyk Chopin International Piano Competition is more than just a contest. It includes various related events. One such event is an exhibition of Wojciech Grzędziński's photographs. This exhibition showcases images from the four previous editions of the competition. It can be viewed at Warsaw's Hala Koszyki until October 22, 2025, with free admission.
Grzędziński's work offers a unique lens through which to view human experience. His ability to find common threads between war and music highlights the universal aspects of emotion, passion, and resilience. His photographs serve as a powerful reminder of both the fragility and strength of the human spirit.