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Congratulations, Eric Lu!

Blue Lake Public Radio | By Foley Schuler
Published October 23, 2025 at 11:32 AM EDT
Benjamin Ealovega

On Tuesday, American pianist Eric Lu won the top prize at the 19th International Chopin Piano Competition. Read more about this brilliant young artist—and watch his final-round performance—here.

Held every five years in Warsaw to honor composer Frederic Chopin, the International Chopin Piano Competition is one of the most prestigious in the classical piano world. This year's competition drew a record 649 applicants, and, on Tuesday, the Gold Medal for this year's event—selected, after extensive deliberation from a field of 84 participants from 19 countries, by a 17-member jury led by Garrick Ohlsson—went to 27 year-old American pianist Eric Lu. Lu receives a prize of 60,000 euros and a gold medal. He thanked Chopin enthusiasts and the jury for their support, calling the win "a dream come true." You can read more about Eric Lu here—and watch his entire final-round performance below.

Foley Schuler
Encouraged by creative parents, Foley began his music career at age 7, studying violin with Jean Manning at North Muskegon Public Schools. As a Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp camper, he became Blue Lake Public Radio’s first high school intern. Foley earned an English Literature degree from Hope College, and Masters in Fine Arts degree in Creative Writing from the Warren Wilson College. He has performed with the West Michigan (formerly West Shore) Symphony; served on the English Department faculty at Muskegon Community College, and been the Music, Art & Theatre reviewer for the Muskegon Chronicle. He follows his love of the arts around the globe, but says, “There is no place like the Blue Lake setting, sharing extraordinary music with our listeners.” Foley hosts Blue Lake Public Radio’s weekday classical music from 1 to 4 p.m. and “Sunday on Blue Lake”.
See stories by Foley Schuler