Competition

Join the International Vocal Competition

Monika Swarowska-Walawska
Krzeszowice, Poland

We warmly invite vocal enthusiasts, students, and amateurs of all ages to participate in the International Vocal Competition and Festival. This prestigious event, held in Krzeszowice and other picturesque locations across Poland, offers a unique platform to develop vocal skills, perform alongside world-class artists, and celebrate the art of singing.

Key Information

The event includes:

1. Vocal Eliminations (Online): Successful participants advance to live competition stages in Krzeszowice.
2. Vocal Competition: Live performances evaluated by an esteemed jury.
3. Festival Masterclasses and Concerts: Workshops and performances with festival participants and renowned vocalists in stunning venues such as Kalwaria Zebrzydowska, Chochołów, and Krzeszowice.

Specific dates, application details, and repertoire requirements for each stage of the event will be shared in official announcements.

How to Apply

Participants interested in joining the vocal competition must follow the application process, which includes the following:

1. Submission of Performance Recordings:

   • Provide links to two recordings featuring your chosen repertoire.
   • Recordings can be submitted as one combined video or two separate videos.
   • The total duration of the recordings should not exceed a specified time limit (e.g., 10 minutes).
   • Repertoire typically includes one piece in the participant’s native language and one operatic aria or oratorio.

2. Application Form:

   • Fill out the designated application form, ensuring all required fields are completed.
   • Forms must include a signed scan and an editable document, typically submitted in PDF format.

3. Additional Documents:

   • A short biographical note.
   • A professional portrait photograph.
   • Confirmation of payment for the entry fee (as per the guidelines).

4. Qualified Participants:

   • Participants selected through the online eliminations will receive further instructions, including a new application link to confirm their participation in the live stages of the competition.

Specific deadlines and additional details for each year's competition will be announced on the official Blog or website.

Repertoire of Live Stages of the Competition

Participants advancing to the live stages in Krzeszowice must prepare a specific repertoire, which varies depending on their category.

Stage I

• Repertoire Duration: Up to 15 minutes.

• For categories I and IV (students of secondary music schools and amateurs):

  1. A piece by a Polish or Norwegian composer.
  2. An opera aria from the world repertoire.
  3. Any additional piece (optional).
     The committee will select two songs out of the three submitted.

• For categories II and III (university-level and graduate participants):

  1. A piece by a Polish or Norwegian composer.
  2. An opera aria from the world repertoire.
  3. Any additional piece.
  4. An optional piece.
     The committee will select three songs out of the four submitted.

Stage II (Final Stage)

• Repertoire Duration: Up to 20 minutes.
• Requirements:
  1. An opera aria or song by a Slavic composer.
  2. Any additional opera aria.
  3. An optional piece.
     The committee will select two works out of the three submitted.

Competition Categories

Participants are grouped into categories based on their experience and educational background:

1. Category I:

   • Students of secondary school vocal classes (ages 16–25).
   • Includes final-year students.

2. Category II:

   • Bachelor’s and Master’s degree students in vocal faculties (ages 19–32).
   • Includes Bachelor’s graduates not continuing to Master’s level, up to age 33.

3. Category III:

   • Graduates of vocal studies (24 years and older).

4. Category IV:

   • Amateurs (no age limits).
   • Graduates of secondary music schools without further vocal education (25 years and older).

Competition Jury

The competition jury comprises distinguished vocalists and educators, selected annually. Past jury members included:

• Prof. Dr Hab. Włodzimierz Zalewski (Chairman)
• Dr Katarzyna Haras
• Prof. Dr Hab. Ryszard Karczykowski
• Prof. Dr Hab. Agata Kobierska
• Ole Jørgen Kristiansen
• Krzysztof Aureliusz Łuczyński
• Jon Fylling
• Prof. Dr Hab. Jacek Ozimkowski
• Arnold Rutkowski
• Dr Monika Świostek

Details about the current jury will be shared closer to the event. Follow our Blog section.

Why Participate?

• Gain invaluable experience performing on stage.
• Work with internationally recognized vocal coaches and jurors.
• Network with fellow vocalists and professionals.
• Explore Poland’s rich cultural heritage and breathtaking venues.

For detailed information about application requirements, repertoire guidelines, and jury members, visit our official Blog section: