A significant international event dedicated to highlighting Polish musical heritage is scheduled to take place in the southeastern city of Rzeszów from July 2 to 9. Officials have announced that
around 100 performers from 10 countries will participate, competing for prestigious prizes.
The details of the 3rd International Competition of Polish Music were revealed during a press conference in Warsaw, according to Polish Radio's IAR news agency.
Deputy Culture Minister Wanda Zwinogrodzka stated that the competition, now in its third year, aims to showcase the lesser-known currents of Poland's 19th and 20th-century musical heritage. It seeks to introduce this music to the Polish audience while also popularizing it among foreign artists.
Zwinogrodzka explained, "This competition aligns with our broader efforts to promote Polish music, especially the lesser-known works. This is particularly relevant to Polish composers of the 19th century, who often struggled to promote their music during foreign rule. Many of these remarkable compositions remained unpublished."
She further emphasized that the event would serve as a platform for young talents from various countries, expressing the hope that it would launch many spectacular careers in Rzeszów.
The 2023 International Competition of Polish Music will feature approximately 100 acts from 10 countries, including Poland, Ukraine, Germany, South Korea, and Japan, among others. The contest will encompass two categories: pianists and chamber ensembles, as reported by the IAR news agency.
Participants have been encouraged to select from a repertoire of over 60 Polish composers, including renowned figures like Grażyna Bacewicz, Krzysztof Penderecki, Maria Szymanowska, as well as Roman Maciejewski, Zygmunt Stojowski, and Henryk Pachulski.
The winners of the competition will be awarded cash prizes exceeding EUR 100,000, in addition to exciting concert opportunities, according to the Polish Ministry of Culture.
Co-funded by the central government of Poland and regional authorities, the 2023 International Competition of Polish Music will be hosted at the Podkarpacka Philharmonic in Rzeszów under the patronage of President Andrzej Duda, as reported by the IAR news agency. Polish Radio will serve as a media partner for the event. Photo by Roberto, Wikimedia commons.