Regina Smendzianka

File:Smendzianka.jpg

Regina Smendzianka in Żelazowa Wola, birthplace of Frederic Chopin

Regina Smendzianka (9 October 1924 – 15 September 2011) was a Polish pianist.

Regina Smendzianka was born in Toruń, and began her public performances as a child of eight surprising the audience with her mature interpretation of the classical works. In 1949 she was awarded the just resumed Fryderyk Chopin International Piano Competition's 11th prize soon after graduating from the Kraków State Music Academy with the highest marks. She was a disciple of Zbigniew Drzewiecki from 1950 to 1955, and subsequently launched an international career. Smendzianka held a professorship at the Fryderyk Chopin Music Academy until 1996, briefly serving as the institution's rector. She was a juror at the 1970, 1980, 1995 and 2000 editions of the Chopin Competition.

References

• [1] Fryderyk Chopin Institute - Fryderyk Chopin Information Centre
• [2] Fryderyk Chopin Music Academy
• [3] Fryderyk Chopin Society's 1995 Chopin Competition webpage
• [4] Chopin Foundation of the United States