Seong-Jin Cho wins the 17th Chopin Competition

South Korea's Seong-Jin Cho, aged 21, has won the prestigious 17th international Frederic Chopin piano competition. The competition, held every five years, has been running for 88 years, and is a career kickstarter for its winner. "It became my dream to participate in the competition and I cannot believe this moment," said Seong-Jin Cho. "In the first round I was out of control,'' he added. `"I didn't remember how I played so I checked on YouTube." Canadian Charles Richard-Hamelin won second prize, and third place went to Kate Liu of the United States. Around 78 pianists, who were born between 1985 and 1999, took part in this year's edition. They were chosen from more than 450 applicants. Appearing in the finals were 10 pianists from 8 countries, who performed one of Fryderyk Chopin’s piano concertos with the Warsaw Philharmonic under the direction of Jacek Kaspszyk. Nine of the participants selected the Concerto in E minor op. 11; and only one, Charles Richard-Hamelin, the Concerto in F minor op. 21. Full list of winners: 1st prize (30 000 €) and gold medal - Seong-Jin Cho 2nd prize (25 000 €) and silver medal - Charles Richard-Hamelin 3rd prize (20 000 €) and bronze medal - Kate Liu 4th prize (15 000 €) - Eric Lu 5th prize (10 000 €) - Yike (Tony) Yang 6th prize (7 000 €) - Dmitry Shishkin