The 1st Adam Kaczyński National Composition Competition

The Art Forum Foundation announced the 1st Adam Kaczyński National Composition Competition, organized as an accompanying event of the 8th Krakow Accordion Festival. The competition is adressed to composers who wish to present new works featuring the accordion and integrate them into the contemporary music scene. Submission deadline: September 10, 2026.

The competition is open to individuals of all nationalities who are 18 years of age or older. Only original works that have not been previously published, performed, or awarded in other competitions may be submitted.

The subject of the competition are compositions written for one of the following ensembles: a duo (accordion and electronics), a trio (accordion, electronics, and voice), or a quintet or sextet in which the accordion is a mandatory instrument. The competition regulations also permit the submission of graphic scores.

The duration of the piece should be between 4 and 10 minutes.

The submitted works will be evaluated by a jury consisting of: Prof. Zbigniew Bargielski (Chairperson), PhD; Maciej Zimka, PhD; and Paweł Siek, PhD.

The first prize winner and the recipient of the special prize will receive financial awards, and their works will be premiered and recorded by renowned soloists. The jury may also award honorable mentions, which include the premiere and professional recording of the compositions. All awarded and distinguished works will be presented during the 14th Concert of Accordion Music Premieres in 2027.

The competition results will be announced by September 30, 2026 on the Art Forum Foundation website. The official award ceremony will take place on October 13, 2026, during the 13th Concert of Accordion Music Premieres at the Krzysztof Penderecki Academy of Music in Krakow.

Media patronage: Polish Music Information Centre POLMIC.

Detailed information and application form available at: https://krakowskifestiwalakordeonowy.pl/konkurs-kompozytorski/