Amateur choirs from Poland and abroad are invited to the 12th Prof. Józef Świder International Festival of Music, held in Cieszyn and other Silesian locations on 18–20 June 2027. Its centrepiece is the Prof. Józef Świder International Choral Competition, with auditions and the Laureates’ Concert on 19 June at the Cieszyn Cultural Centre “Dom Narodowy”.
Music, research and encounters
The 2027 programme also includes the 7th Polish National Conference “Repertuar poszukiwany cd.” and festival concerts across Upper Silesia and Cieszyn Silesia. The event promotes the music of Józef Świder, contemporary choral repertoire and the region’s musical heritage.
Competition categories
The competition has four repertoire categories:
- Sacred music
- Contemporary music
- Folk / ethnic music
- Gospel, spiritual, jazz and pop
Ensemble type — including chamber, vocal, mixed, equal-voice, children’s, youth, academic or senior choir — is selected separately in the application form.
Two main categories may be selected. Entry into a third category requires consultation with the Festival Director; the additional category remains pending their approval after submission. Choir / ensemble type is a separate field in the application form.
The programme must include at least three pieces. The standard time limit is 12–15 minutes; the children’s, youth and senior choir categories have a 10–12-minute limit. Participation of these choirs in other categories lasts 12–15 minutes.
Grand Prix and special awards
The awards include a Grand Prix, diplomas and special cash prizes. Festival partners also fund the PLN 1,000 Photojournalists’ Award for emotion and artistic expression through the lens, presented by STOLZ Photography Team, and a PLN 1,000 award with a diploma for the best performance of a Polish-language piece.
Apply by 31 March 2027
The application form is now open. The fee is PLN 500 for the first category and PLN 400 for each additional category. Please read the regulations before applying.
