The 3rd Karol Szymanowski International Music Competition will be held in Katowice from 1 to 19 September 2027. The upcoming edition will once again provide a platform for young artists to launch their international careers.
Participants will compete in four performance categories – Piano, Violin, String Quartet and Voice – as well as in the Composition category. Across different styles, traditions and the participants’ individual artistic sensibilities, the many worlds of Szymanowski shine through. The composer’s oeuvre opens up a wealth of interpretative possibilities, while the Competition encourages not only artistic excellence in performance but also the search for an individual artistic voice.
For young musicians, taking part in the Szymanowski Competition is an opportunity to gain invaluable artistic experience and establish an international profile. Participants will perform before a Jury comprising some of the world’s most distinguished musical personalities. With a prize fund exceeding €300,000, the Competition can become an important catalyst for a young artist’s career, opening the door to recording projects, concert engagements and new artistic collaborations.
Applications for the performance categories will be accepted from 1 November 2026 to 31 January 2027. Applications for the composition category will be accepted from 1 January to 30 April 2027.
The 3rd Karol Szymanowski International Music Competition is organised by the Polish National Radio Symphony Orchestra in Katowice, in cooperation with the Ministry of Culture and National Heritage, the City of Katowice, and the Competition’s partners: Polish Radio, the Karol Szymanowski Academy of Music in Katowice, and the Karol Szymanowski Music Society in Zakopane.
Detailed information is available in the Competition Rules.
