The 12th Zygmunt Mycielski Composition Competition

For the 12th time, the Youth Circle of the Polish Composers' Union is opening up a space for the young generation of creators. The Zygmunt Mycielski Competition is not only a prestigious rivalry among composers under the age of 30, but above all, an impulse to search for one's own musical style in a dialogue between tradition and modernity. The competition is anonymous. The deadline for score submissions is August 15, 2026.

This year, the organizers present participants with an intriguing challenge regarding texture and timbre, inviting them to explore the possibilities of an unconventional theme: the essence of the task is a chamber microcosm. The subject of the Competition is a musical piece for an ensemble consisting of cello, accordion, and clarinet. However, creators have a degree of flexibility in shaping the instrumentation—the regulations permit the full trio as well as any sub-ensembles (duets and solo pieces). An optional use of electronics can serve as an additional, inspiring expansion of the soundscape.

The duration of the piece must be between 8 and 12 minutes and should be indicated in the score.

Submitted works must not have been previously published, performed in public, or awarded in other composition competitions.

The competition is anonymous: the score must be marked only with a pseudonym.

The greatest asset of the competition—aside from prestige and a professional evaluation of the submitted works—is the live interaction with the performers. The award-winning compositions will receive their world premieres during a concert accompanying the 69th "Warsaw Autumn" International Festival of Contemporary Music, which serves as an excellent springboard for a young creator's international career.

Submissions must be sent to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. by August 15, 2026, by 11.59 pm.

Regulations available at: https://www.zkp.org.pl/index.php/en/kolo-mlodych/wydarzenia/konkursy/