A woman checks tickets for the Frederic Chopin International Piano Competition in front of the Chopin's Institute in Warsaw

A woman checks tickets for the Frederic Chopin International Piano Competition in front of the Chopin's Institute in Warsaw

Rehearsal time is over. The world's best and most ambitious young pianists have descended on Warsaw for the Frederic Chopin International Piano Competition -- for some, a gateway to classical music glory.

Fans from around the globe snapped up tickets as much as a year ago. The lucky ones will hear an opening night concert on Thursday and follow along as the contest builds to a thrilling climax on October 20.     

Originally published on doc.afp.com, part of the BLOX Digital Content Exchange.