Dear Fryderyk,

200 years ago,on the 1st of March 1810, you saw the day in the manor of Zelazowa Wola, near Warsaw.

Every year, thousands of musicians, music lovers or simple tourists from all over the world make the pilgrimage to Zelazowa Wola. They can listen to the silence and the music of the plain of Mazovia, like you did, and thus find inspiration in the source of your art. They rediscover what you conserved so preciously in your heart during your life wich ended far too soon.

You transformed the way to compose music for the piano, and nobody, before or after you, was able to reach such perfection. Only you were able to move and inspire whole generations.

Every day, anonymous admirers bring flowers to your tomb at the Père Lachaise cemetery in Paris, and to the urn which contains your heart in the Church of the Holy Cross in Warsaw.

For us all, you are the standard of reference for the piano. For the Poles dispersed all over the world, you are the link with the homeland, lost in your days, but resuscitated today.

You expressed your love through the notes and silence of your music, and in return, you receive the love of those who have not forgotten you.

It is with deep and heartfelt enthusiasm that the Chopin Society of Geneva joins the numerous celebrations organised in your honor, culminating in our traditional Festival in Novembrer of this exceptional year.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY Mr. CHOPIN