[PARTICIPANTS]
For participants
Prepare for the Competition and complete the application process step by step
Applications open for the performance categories:
1 November 2026
Here you’ll find all the essential information, documents and key dates you need before each stage of the Competition
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Here you will find everything you need to prepare for the Competition: the Competition Rules, the application guidelines, the Competition schedule and prize information. They will help you check what you need to prepare, what to pay particular attention to, and when the key deadlines fall. This is where you can organise your preparations – from the decision to apply through to taking part in the successive stages of the Competition.
Explore the Competition categories: Piano, Voice, String Quartet, Violin, Composition
Competition Rules
Competition Schedule
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The total prize fund exceeds €300,000. In each category, the following main prizes will be awarded to the highest-ranked finalists.
Solo Categories:
- First Prize: €30,000 gross
- Second Prize: €20,000 gross
- Third Prize: €10,000 gross
String Quartet Category (total prize amount for all members of the quartet):
- First Prize: €40,000 gross
- Second Prize: €28,000 gross
- Third Prize: €16,000 gross
Composition category:
- First Prize: €15,000 gross
- Second Prize: €10,000 gross
- Third Prize: €5,000 gross
Detailed rules governing the awarding of prizes can be found in the Competition Rules.
The Competition takes place at two venues in the centre of Katowice, located approximately one kilometre apart and within a short walking distance of each other. Both can be reached on foot from the main railway station in approximately 15–20 minutes.
Karol Szymanowski Academy of Music – Bolesław Szabelski Auditorium and the Concert Hall (Piano, Violin and Voice). Practice rooms are also available in the Academy building.
NOSPR – Chamber Hall (String Quartet) and Concert Hall (Finals in all categories except String Quartet).
Competition announced
Applications open for the performance categories
Applications open for the composition category
Composition category results announced
Voice auditions
Violin auditions
String Quartet auditions
Piano auditions
Final Gala and Prize-winners' Concert
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can take part in the Competition?
The Competition is open to professional performers and composers in the following categories: Piano, Voice, String Quartet, Violin and Composition.
Composers and performers of all nationalities may enter the Competition, provided they meet the following age requirements:
- Violin, Piano and String Quartet
18–32 years of age (born no earlier than 1 January 1995 and no later than 31 January 2009)
- Voice
Women: 20–32 years of age (born no earlier than 1 January 1995 and no later than 31 January 2007)
Men: 20–35 years of age (born no earlier than 1 January 1992 and no later than 31 January 2007)
- Composition
Individuals who have not reached the age of 40.
A participant’s age is determined as of the application deadline: 30 April 2027 for the Composition category and 31 January 2027 for the performance categories.
What prizes are awarded to the Competition winners?
First Prize winners will receive the following awards:
- Piano, Voice and Violin – €30,000
- String Quartet – €40,000
- Composition – €15,000
More information can be found in the individual Competition Category sections.
Can I apply in more than one category?
No. Each participant may enter only one Competition category.
Can I submit more than one work in the Composition category?
Yes. Each work will be treated as a separate application. An application fee must be paid for each work submitted.
Can prize-winners from previous editions take part in the Competition?
No. Prize-winners of previous editions are not eligible to enter the Competition.
How do I apply for the Competition?
To apply in the performance categories, you must submit your application via the online application form between 1 November 2026 and 31 January 2027. Based on the submitted materials, the Qualification Committee will carry out the pre-selection of participants.
To apply in the composition category, you must submit a work that complies with the requirements set out in the Competition Rules, together with a completed application form, between 1 January 2027 and 30 April 2027.
All compositions must be submitted anonymously under a pseudonym, using the following file name format: pseudonym_szymanowski2027.pdf
Compositions that do not comply with the above requirements will be rejected.
What is the entry fee?
Composition category – €50 or PLN 220 (for each work submitted)
Performance categories – €100 or PLN 440. For the String Quartet category, the entry fee applies to each member of the ensemble.
When and how will I be informed whether I have been admitted to the Competition?
The list of participants admitted to the Competition in the performance categories will be published on the Competition website no later than 1 March 2027.
Can I make changes to my submitted programme, biography or photograph?
Yes, but only until the application deadline for the relevant category: 31 January 2027 for the performance categories and 30 April 2027 for the composition category.
Does the organiser provide accommodation during the Competition?
Yes. The organiser provides and covers the cost of accommodation for participants admitted to the Second Round and the Final.
The hotels are located a short distance from the Competition venues, so you can easily reach them on foot or by public transport.
For more information, please see the Venues section and the Competition Rules.
Where do the Competition auditions take place?
The Competition auditions take place at the Karol Szymanowski Academy of Music in Katowice and NOSPR.
Both venues are located in the centre of Katowice, approximately 20 minutes’ walk apart.
Does the organiser provide collaborative pianists for participants in the Voice and Violin categories?
Yes. During the First and Second Rounds, participants in the Voice and Violin categories may perform with a collaborative pianist provided by the organiser.
Participants may also perform with their own collaborative pianist. However, this must be indicated in the Competition application form. In such cases, the organiser does not cover the pianist’s travel and accommodation expenses.
Where can I practise during the Competition?
Throughout the Competition, participants will have access to pianos and practice rooms at the Karol Szymanowski Academy of Music in Katowice and NOSPR. Participants will be able to use the practice rooms according to the schedule.
For more information, please see the Venues section.
Does a prize-winner have to be present at the Final Gala?
Yes. First Prize winners are required to take part in the Final Gala and the Prize-winners’ Concert, which will take place on 19 September 2027.
Where can I find the Competition Rules and repertoire requirements?
The Competition Rules and detailed repertoire requirements for each Competition category can be found in the For Participants section.
I have another question. Who can I contact?
Please email us at info@szymanowski-competition.com.
