The 1980 Warsaw International Chopin Piano Competition is less recalled for its champions than for the scandal concerning one of its most controversial competitors: 22-year-old Yugoslavian pianist Ivo Pogorelić. Although he lost in the third round of competition, Pogorelić was the object of worldwide interest — but for no prize.
After his ouster by the jury, 20th-century piano superstar and juror Martha Argerich resigned in protest, famously proclaiming that Pogorelić was “a genius.” The resignation caused shockwaves in the classical community, the first such high-profile panel resignation in the history of the competition. She was seconded in protest by fellow jurors Paul Badura-Skoda and Nikita Magaloff, who condemned the decision as unjust and artistically narrow-minded.
The other jurors justified the dismissal on grounds of concern that Pogorelić’s playing style was “unconventional.” The controversy entered the public sphere, promoting widespread international media coverage, divided opinion amongst musicians, and disagreement on whether to reward innovation or punish it in competitions.
Additionally, this competition was held during the height of the cold war and it was allegedly felt that a North Vietnamese winner (Dang Thai Son) was needed for political purposes. Additionally, Pogolerich later remarked that he was told to participate in the tchaikovsky competition next year and he was guaranteed first prize, but nonetheless he pursued the chopin competition in 1980.
Though he lost, the scandal launched his career worldwide. He signed subsequently with Deutsche Grammophon, traveled the globe performing, and achieved stardom in the classical music world — none of it on the basis of an award. The 1980 competition is now remembered no longer for its champions but for the scandal that overturned its conventions and forever reshaped the debate on artistic taste.
