Frederick Chopin, "the poet of the piano", was born in Poland in 1810. He composed a polonaise at the age of seven and performed in his first concerts at eight. After graduating from the Warsaw Conservatory at the top of his class, he left for Vienna at the age of 20 and made his way to Paris a year later. As a result of his tireless composing and performing, he won popular acclaim and become a star of social circles in Paris. Among his many works, his most famous compositions include Mazuruka, "Heroic" Polonaise, and Fantasy.
First organized in 1927, the Frederick Chopin International Piano Competition is held to honor Chopin's legacy. The competition serves as a proving ground for pianists aspiring for international acclaim. Generally held once every five years, the 15th competition was held in October 2005, with over 80 participants from Japan. First prize was awarded to Poland's Pan Rafal Blechacz-the first time for a Polish citizen to win the top prize in 30 years. Two Japanese pianists finished in the top five. Aside from this competition, famous pianists also play concerts in Warsaw every year from May to September at Chopin's childhood home or Park Lazienkowski. These concerts have become very popular with tourists from around the world.
Fitness clubs gained popularity in the 90s after political changes in Poland, and in the past two years, there has been a real boom of fitness clubs here. These clubs offer everything you need to achieve your fitness goals-whether you'd like to lose weight, increase muscle or simply feel better in your daily life.
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle has became a top priority among businessmen, actors, journalists, politicians and ordinary people. In fitness clubs you can meet members of parliament, bank directors and TV personalities.
In summer however, many people choose cycling over fitness clubs as a way to get exercise.
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