The 22nd International Chopin Competition provided a fascinating glimpse into the preferences of competing pianists when it comes to piano selection. With Steinway & Sons and Fazioli as the prominent contenders, the competition shed light on the enduring allure of these two iconic piano brands.
The Pianos:
At the heart of the competition were the pianos themselves, each meticulously prepared to meet the demands of the world's most discerning pianists. Steinway & Sons, well-known for their craftsmanship, provided two concert grands, offering participants a choice between their standard voicing and a brighter alternative. Yamaha's CFX, Kawai's Shigeru EX, and the illustrious Fazioli 278 completed the selection.
Participant Preferences:
Of the 87 participants, a significant majority—74%—opted for a Steinway piano, a testament to the brand's popularity among pianists. Yamaha's CFX garnered 10% of the choices, while the Fazioli and Kawai each attracted 9% and 7% of contestants, respectively.
The Elite's Preference:
Among the top echelon of performers—representing the top 5%—Fazioli emerged as the clear favorite. Half of the top performers selected Fazioli, recognizing its unparalleled quality and performance. In comparison, Kawai and Steinway each captured 25% of the top performers.
Fazioli's Superiority:
The remarkable success of Fazioli can be attributed to its unmatched quality and sensitivity. Its action allows for a wider range of expression, from the gentlest pianissimo to the most vigorous forte passages, empowering pianists to fully realize their artistic vision. For any serious competitor, familiarity with Fazioli is essential.
Market Reflections:
The competition results mirror broader market trends. While Steinway's marketing continues to appeal to many, particularly less experienced pianists, Fazioli's reputation for excellence attracts those who seek the pinnacle of performance. As pianist Angela Hewitt astutely observed, "Average and insecure pianists cling to Steinway in hopes of gaining the approval which their skills can’t deliver." Conversely, once pianists experience Fazioli, they find it difficult to settle for anything less.
In essence, the 22nd Chopin Competition reaffirmed Fazioli's position as the premier choice for discerning pianists seeking unparalleled performance and expression.
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Every four years, Warsaw becomes the luminous heart of the classical piano world. The International Chopin Competition is more than a contest — it’s a global ritual of artistry and endurance. For pianists, it is the Mount Everest of performance; for listeners, it is two weeks of breathtaking musical devotion.
But while the audience follows the fate of each pianist, another drama unfolds behind the music — a quieter rivalry that has nothing to do with interpretation or emotion, and everything to do with sound.
Because in Warsaw, the pianists are not the only ones competing. The pianos themselves are.
For more than a century, Steinway & Sons has defined what it means to build a truly exceptional piano. But in 2025, the brand isn’t just honoring tradition — it’s evolving. At Northwest Pianos, we continue to see how Steinway’s balance of craftsmanship and technology keeps it ahead of the curve in a fast-changing industry.
Over the last few years, acoustic pianos have held the prestige. But the tide is shifting. More musicians, educators, and beginners are turning to digital and hybrid models for their flexibility, technological perks, and lower maintenance demands. According to industry reports, the global piano market is now incorporating “smart integration” and “compact designs” as key drivers for growth. The Business Research Company+2PR Newswire+2