Dear Friends and music lovers,

As a Polish pianist living and working in the UAE for many years, I voluntarily created and organized the 1^st and 2^nd UAE International Chopin Competition Abu Dhabi 2010 and 2012 to promote music of the great Polish composer Frederic Chopin and to give the participants an incentive to improve their skills, an opportunity to present their achievements in front of an audience and professional jurors, and let the young talents shine playing piano on the stage. I tried to build a sustainable common platform connecting through music of Chopin, young piano students and amateur pianists of all nationalities living in the UAE. It became my mission, based on my strong believe, that music of my beloved national composer will reach the hearts of young generations.

The 1^st Competition brought together 45 students of 17 nationalities living in the UAE. Its 2^nd edition attracted 93 candidates representing 26 nationalities, including 19 Emiratis. It was for me a very rewarding, unforgettable experience, to discover so many young pianists, especially UAE nationals, playing music of Chopin with true love and passion. The level and quality of their performances were higher than expected, sometimes amazing.

For organizing the 1^st and 2^nd UAE International Chopin Competition I obtained the patronage of H.H. Dr Sheikh Mansoor bin Tahnoon Al Nehayan, UAE Ministry of Culture, Youth and Community Development, the previous Minister of Culture, Youth and Community Development H. E. Abdul Rahman bin Al Owais, the Embassies of Poland, France and Hungary in Abu Dhabi, and also honorary patronage of the Ministry of Culture and National Heritage of the Republic of Poland.

Both Competitions were supported financially by several companies, institutions and individual sponsors.

My husband and my friends, working voluntarily, helped me to achieve high professional standard of organization.

Thanks to all the contributors both events were very successful.

I would like to express my gratitude and extend my personal thanks to all who supported my project and helped me to realize my mission in 2010 and 2012.

The 3^rd UAE International Chopin Competition Abu Dhabi 2014 is organized in December by the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Community Development in cooperation with the Polish Embassy in the UAE and the Ministry of Culture and National Heritage of the Republic of Poland. More information at

https://www.mcycd.gov.ae/en/Awards/Pages/ChopinAward.aspx

I wish the participants of the 3^rd UAE International Chopin Competition Abu Dhabi 2014, every success and good luck.