The Karol Szymanowski International Music Competition offers an exceptional opportunity for outstanding young artists
In Karol Szymanowski’s music, the violin is a symbol of friendship and love. The composer shared a long and close friendship with the brilliant virtuoso Paweł Kochański, who, after leaving Poland, became a professor at The Juilliard School in New York. Kochański inspired Szymanowski and accompanied him on the artistic journey that led to the creation of two extraordinary violin concertos.
Szymanowski also loved what he called his “people by choice” – the Highlanders of Podhale. The echoes of their music find their most beautiful expression in the violin. The Szymanowski Competition seeks violinists who can give the fullest voice to that friendship and love.
Competition Rules
DOWNLOAD PDFRepertoire
DOWNLOAD PDF| First Prize | €30,000 |
| Second Prize | €20,000 |
| Third Prize | €10,000 |
and
| Special Prize for the Interpretation of Works by Karol Szymanowski | €5,000 |
| Distinction for Best Collaborative Pianist | €3,000 |
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. For the String Quartet category, the entry fee applies to each member of the ensemble.
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.
