The Canadian Chopin Festival set to open on February 26th in Mississauga

TORONTO , Feb. 8 /CNW/ - The John Paul II Polish Cultural Centre will play host to the Canadian Chopin Festival 2010 and the 3rd Canadian Chopin Competition commemorating the 200th anniversary of the birth of Fryderyk Chopin.

The 10 day event will begin with a concert performance featuring pianists Li Wang and Avan Yu who are the first-prize winners of the First and Second Canadian Chopin Piano Competitions.

Over thirty of Canada's most talented young pianists will compete for prizes including a trip to Poland to compete in the 16th International F. Chopin Piano Competition in October 2010 .

The 10 day Festival will include the Third Canadian Chopin Competition, to be judged by a prestigious jury including pianists Krzysztof Jablonski, James Parker , Lee Kum Sing , Valerie Tryon and Li Wang .

The winners will perform in a Gala Concert at the Royal Conservatory's Koerner Hall on Sunday February 7 at 2:00 pm .

Press Conference: Tuesday February 9, 2010 at 11:00 am . Polish Consulate 2603 Lakeshore Blvd West Toronto . Greg Glista 647-822-4734.

For further information: www.chopinfestival2010.com