4th Karłowicz International Composition Competition

The ZAiKS Society of Authors and the Szczecin Philharmonic announced the 4th Mieczysław Karłowicz International Composition Competition. The competition is open to composers of all nationalities regardless of age. The total prize pool in this edition is €40,000. The deadline for submissions is August 31, 2026.

The subject of the Competition is a work for symphonic orchestra with a duration of 9 to 12 minutes. The composition must be previously unpublished, unperformed, and must not have received awards in any other competitions. The work may reference the artistic or aesthetic legacy, or biographical context of Mieczysław Karłowicz, therefore the use of solo voices, tape, or live electronics is not permitted.

The score (in PDF format) must be submitted anonymously and marked with an alphanumeric pseudonym.

The Competition will be held in two stages. In the first stage, the Jury will select five compositions to qualify for the final. These works will be premiered by the Szczecin Philharmonic Symphony Orchestra (which also bears the name of Mieczysław Karłowicz) under the direction of Szymon Bywalec. Following the premiere performances (in the first part of the concert), the Jury will reach its final verdict and announce the results during the second part of the concert. In addition to the main prizes awarded by the Jury, an Audience Prize and an Orchestra Prize will also be presented.

Media Patronage: Polish Music Information Centre POLMIC.

Details available at: https://zaiks.org.pl/konkursy/mkk