Szymanowski Competition / 1st stage / string quartet - NOSPR

A string quartet is an intimate form. It is a most challenging form, both for the composer and for the performers. Karol Szymanowski’s two string quartets are true gems, world-class masterpieces of the genre. 

Like light focused in a lens, Szymanowski’s quartets concentrate within themselves the essence of his musical language, his style, and his emotionality. To perform them convincingly, one needs perfect workmanship and wide cultural horizons. Yet, the Karol Szymanowski Competition does not look for convincing performers. It looks for arch-masters. 

The Szymanowski Competition is held every 5 years in 4 performance categories: piano, violin, string quartet and voice. The fifth, special category is the composition competition, which takes place a year before the performance competition, during which the winning works will be performed.  

This event is an opportunity for outstanding young artists. A chance to give their careers momentum and pace. A chance to become an artist recognized to the world. And also, to win a high prize. The prize pool is close to €300,000! 

Admission to the competition auditions is free. Auditions are held in 2 sessions:

1st session from 10:30-13:00

2nd session from 14:30-16:00

at the NOSPR Chamber Hall.

Online booking via the links below is mandatory:

1st session RESERVATION

2nd session RESERVATION

Reservation of entrance tickets will be conducted until the pool of available places is exhausted. Confirmation of the allocation of tickets will be sent to the e-mail address indicated in the reservation process. Tickets will be available for pickup on the day of the event at the place indicated in the e-mail.

Please arrive in advance, in order to take seats in the hall, to ensure uninterrupted auditions.

Learn more about the Competition here.