WE WOULD LIKE TO INVITE YOU TO PARTICIPATE IN THE EIGHTH EDITION OF THE COMPETITION!

 

Dear Ladies and Gentlemen,

We are delighted to invite you to participate in the eighth edition of the OPUS International Music Competition. As Johann Wolfgang von Goethe once said, “Those who do not move forward move backward” — guided by these words, we have for years been working continuously to ensure that OPUS is an event worth returning to: conducted in a friendly atmosphere, fair in its evaluation, and providing a genuine impulse for further development of musical skills.

Instead of being divided into sections, young artists are evaluated according to their instrumental specialization. In the application form, we also ask applicants, among other things, to indicate the duration of their performance. These changes allow for more efficient management of the jury’s work and improve the entire evaluation process. As a result, diplomas, comments, and prizes can be delivered to participants promptly after the announcement of results.

Additionally, all participants are offered discounts for our summer music courses Akademia Inspiracji — an event that provides an excellent opportunity for in-person meetings, the exchange of experiences, sharing passion, and developing non-musical competencies that are increasingly important in today’s world.

We are also proud to announce that, in cooperation with the ZAiKS Authors’ Association and the Fund for the Promotion of Creativity, we are introducing a composition category for the first time. The jury will be joined by composers under the leadership of Dr. habil. Ewa Fabiańska-Jelińska, who, together with our instrumental specialist jurors, will evaluate the submitted scores. Selected works will be performed during events organized by us and our partners. On this occasion, our competition has been honored with the honorary patronage of the Polish Composers’ Union.

We warmly encourage you to follow our Facebook profile to stay up to date with the latest information, and we eagerly look forward to your recordings. Thank you for being with us!

The Organizers

 

The first five editions gathered participants from 29 countries around the world, and the recordings were listened to by over 70 jurors. In addition to cash prizes, we gave our winners almost 280 medals for the youngest Little Virtuosos, over 200 valuable prizes in the form of sheet music and accessories for musical instruments, and about 90 invitations to courses, workshops and instrumental master classes.

 

results opus 2025 here
results opus 2024 here
Results opus 2023 Here
Results opus 2022 Here
RESULTS OPUS 2021 HERE
RESULTS OPUS 2020 here
RESULTS OPUS 2019 HERE

 

Who can apply?

The competition is open to instrumentalists up to the age of 32 who play the following instruments: piano, violin, viola, cello, double bass, flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, saxophone, trumpet, horn, trombone, tuba, percussion, accordion, guitar, lute, mandolin, and harp, as well as chamber ensembles.

Starting with the 2026 edition, composers are also invited to participate!

 

When can you apply?

12.01.2026 – 31.03.2026

 

How to apply?

To participate in the competition as an instrumentalist, applicants must prepare a link to an audio-video recording uploaded to the YouTube platform and complete the interactive application form available above. The duration of the recording must comply with the age category to which the participant belongs.

To participate in the competition as a composer, applicants must submit an anonymous score of a solo or chamber work, marked with a motto.

For more information, please refer to the Regulations.

 

Regulations

International Music Competition

Opus 2026

 

§ 1 General terms

  1. The organizer of the International Music Competition Opus 2026 (further: “Competition”) is the Life and Art Foundation with its main office in Krakow, Poland.
  2. The competition is held only online. Every necessary piece of information concerning the competition is posted on the website www.lifeandart.eu

 

§ 2 Organization of the competition

  1. The participants of the competition are divided into the following categories:

a) soloists:

  • category “Little virtuoso”: born in 2018 and later – program free of choice up to 5 minutes;
  • category A: born in 2017 – 2016 – program free of choice up to 5 minutes;
  • category B: born in 2015 – 2013 – program free of choice up to 5 minutes;
  • category C: born in 2012 – 2010 – program free of choice up to 8 minutes;
  • category D: born in 2009 – 2007 – program free of choice up to 10 minutes;
  • category E: born in 2006 – 2002 – program free of choice up to 12 minutes;
  • category F: born in 2001 – 1994 – program free of choice up to 15 minutes;

b) chamber ensembles:

  • category G: under 13 years old – program free of choice up to 8 minutes;
  • category H: 13 – 19 years old – program free of choice up to 15 minutes;
  • category I: 20 – 32 years old – program free of choice up to 20 minutes;

c) composition: 

  • category J: a composition for solo instrument with a duration of 4 to 10 minutes (instrument of choice: clarinet / percussion / piano);
  • category K: a chamber ensemble composition with a duration of 4 to 10 minutes (for a duo or trio involving clarinet, percussion, and/or piano parts);
  1. Participants in the solo categories are evaluated separately for each instrument.
  2. The age category of the chamber music ensembles is based on the average of the ages of the performers calculated for January 1st 2026. 
  3. Each participant may apply to a solo category, as a member of one or more chamber ensembles, and to the composition category, paying the participation fee separately for each entry. 
  4. It is not allowed to participate in solo and chaber music category with the same program.

        

§ 3 The participants of the competition 

  1. The instrumentalists and composers of all nationalities can take part in the Competition, including: the students of music schools of the first and second degree, students and graduates of higher education schools, performing classical music or composition. The competition is dedicated to the participants up to the 32 years old.
  2. The competition is dedicated to the instrumentalists playing the following instruments: piano, violin, viola, cello, bass, flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, saxophone, trumpet, french horn, trombone, tuba, percussion, accordion, guitar, lute, harp. 
  3. The participation in the competition is voluntary.

  

§ 4 Terms of participation – instrumentalists

  1. In order to participate in the Competition it is mandatory to prepare 1 (one) link with an audio-video recording on YouTube (not a playlist). The length of recording should be in accordance with the category a participant is assigned to. The tittle of video should contain: International Music Competition OPUS 2026, name and surname of the participant. The description of the recording on YouTube must include the following: International Music Competition OPUS 2026, name and surname of the participant, category, instrument, program. We recommend that the video on YouTube be set to public playback.
  2. The recording cannot be edited and should contain the whole silhouette of the  performer or the whole ensemble, from the distance that enables to identify participants. The registration should be made on one camera without any cuts during the performance. It is allowed to record the parts of a musical piece separately or few independent pieces and combine them into one video.
  3. The participant of the competition pays a non-refundable application fee:

a.   50 Euro  for solo categories;

b. 30 Euro for each performer in chamber ensembles categories.

Life and Art Foundation does not account or have any liability for any participants’ bank fees and charges that may be levied as a result of currency conversion, foreign exchange transaction, or non-sufficient funds (NSF) transaction. The payment should be completed to:

Recipient Life and Art Foundation

Bank of beneficiary – Nest Bank

IBAN PL04253000082062104094900001

SWIFT/BIC NESBPLPW

Remittance information: International Music Competition Opus 2026 + name and surname; 

or PayPal competitionopus@lifeandart.eu

  1. In order to participate in Competition it is necessary to fill interactive application form available on competition’s website, uploading there link to video recording and payment confirmation. Submitting application form is equivalent to agreement to process personal data and acceptance of regulations. Online application form will be active between 12th January 2026 – 31st March 2026. 
  2. Chamber ensemble fills one application form. If ensemble members make transfers separately, please collect the confirmations and attach them as one file. 
  3. Any questions should be send to competitionopus@gmail.com 

 

§ 5 Terms of participation – composers

  1. The score must be submitted anonymously and marked with a motto (PDF file). The names of the submitted files should contain only the composer’s motto and the title of the submitted work. The submitted compositions must not have been previously published, publicly performed, or awarded in other composition competitions.
  2. It is recommended, though not required, to include an audio recording file (MP3/WAV) or to submit a sound simulation (e.g. MIDI) of the submitted work.
  3. In the composition category, if a percussion part is chosen, the following instruments may be used: vibraphone, snare drum, tom-toms, cymbals, bongos, temple blocks, bass drum (gran cassa), triangle, tambourine, and frame drums (riq, tar, daf).
  4. Compositions may not use prepared piano techniques and any electronic elements.
  5. The participant of the competition pays a non-refundable application fee of 50 euro for each composition.
    Life and Art Foundation does not account or have any liability for any participants’ bank fees and charges that may be levied as a result of currency conversion, foreign exchange transaction, or non-sufficient funds (NSF) transaction. The payment should be completed to:Recipient Life and Art FoundationBank of beneficiary – Nest BankIBAN PL04253000082062104094900001SWIFT/BIC NESBPLPWRemittance information: International Music Competition Opus 2026 + name and surname;or PayPal competitionopus@lifeandart.eu
  6. In order to participate in the Competition, applicants must complete the interactive application form available on the competition website, attaching the required files and proof of payment in the designated fields. Submitting application form is equivalent to agreement to process personal data and acceptance of regulations. Online application form will be active between 12th January 2026 – 31st March 2026.
  7. A composer may submit a maximum of one work in each category (solo and chamber). If the composer wishes to apply to both categories (J and K), two separate application forms must be submitted.
  8. Any questions should be send to competitionopus@gmail.com

 

§ 6 Awards and decisions of the jury – instrumentalists

  1. In “Little virtuoso” category competitors receive medals: gold, silver, bronze – according to gathered points. Each jury member gives points 0-100 evaluating the performances according to the following criteria: intonation (in case of pianists precision), articulation, rhythmical precision, interpretation and musicality, the level of program. Final score is the average of the scores given by individual members of jury. The medals are given according to the following table:
Gold medal 95 – 100 points
Silver medal 85 – 94 points
Bronze medal 70 – 84 points
  1. In categories A-F jury members gives points 0-100 evaluating the performances according to the following criteria: intonation (in case of pianists precision), articulation, rhythmical precision, interpretation and musicality, the level of program. Final score is the average of the scores given by individual members of jury. The prizes are given according to the following table: 
Grand Prix 100 points
First Prize 95 – 99 points
Second Prize 90 – 94 points
Third Prize 85 – 89 points
Honourable mention 80 – 84 points
Participation certificate less than 80 points 
  1. The Grand Prix winners of each age category will receive the following prizes: 

Category A 300 PLN

Category B 300 PLN 

Category C 400 PLN

Category  D 500 PLN

Category E 800 PLN

Category F 1200 PLN

Category G 800 PLN

Category H 1000 PLN

Category I 2000 PLN

  1. The winners of the first three prizes as well as the honoured performers in every section and category are the laureates of the Competition. The Jury has the right not to bestow the awards or to decide to share the awards ex aequo. 
  2. Special prizes can be awarded, of which the jury decides.
  3. Awards can be monetary or non-monetary (participation in music courses, participation in concerts, invitations for masterclasses, shopping vouchers, accessories to the instruments, sheets).
  4. A panel of judges evaluates a submitted audio-video material in full length, regarding maximum time for each age category. 
  5. Participants’ performances will be evaluated by an international jury consisting of respectable musicians. More info will be available soon.
  6. The names and surnames of the laureates of the Competition will be published on the website on the 14th May 2026. Every participant receives a certificate of attendance and short opinion on a performance, send by e-mail.
  7. The diplomas of laureates will be sent by e-mails. 
  8. Little Virtuoso laureates receive their medals by post.
  9. The decisions of the jury are final.

 

§ 7 Awards and decisions of the jury – composers

  1. In categories J and K, jury members award scores on a scale from 0 to 100 points. The final score is the average of the points awarded.
First Prize 95 – 100 points
Second Prize 90 – 94 points
Third Prize 85 – 89 points
Honourable mention 80 – 84 points
Participation certificate less than 80 points 
  1. Winners of First Prize in each composition category receive a cash award of 250 euro.
  2. The winning compositions will be performed during the Akademia Inspiracji – summer courses and concerts in Wieliczka from August 18–21, 2026 (solo and chamber work) and during one of the concerts organized by the Poznań Branch of the Association of Polish Composers (solo work).
  3. Awarded composers are required to submit a complete set of materials (parts) within 14 days of the announcement of the Competition results; otherwise, the work will not be performed at the concert. A scanned, signed statement must also be included, in which the competition participant, in the event of winning and having their work performed, waives royalties from that performance.
  4. Special prizes may also be awarded, such as individual composition consultations with jury members, at the discretion of the Competition jury.
  5. The jury reserves the right not to award certain prizes or to share prizes ex aequo.
  6. The international jury consists of distinguished artists (composers and instrumentalists).
  7. The names and surnames of the laureates of the Competition will be published on the website on the 14th May 2026. Every participant receives a certificate of attendance and short opinion on a performance, send by e-mail.
  8. The diplomas of laureates will be sent by e-mails. 
  9. The decisions of the jury are final.

 

§ 8 Final provisions

The Organizer reserves the right to amend the provisions of these Regulations, provided that such changes do not worsen the conditions of participation in the Competition. This applies in particular to changes in the dates of individual competition activities. The amended Regulations shall take effect on the day they are published on the website www.lifeandart.eu

 

MEET OUR JURY

 

 

FAQ:

1. Can I apply for more than one category?

Yes, each participant can apply for the solo category and as a member of one or more chamber ensembles, or as a composer, paying the participation fee each time. It is not allowed to apply for the solo and chamber categories with the same program.

2. Do I have to attend the winners’ concert to receive the award?

No

3. What document should I attach as proof of age?

Any document containing the participant’s date of birth, e.g. school ID.

4. Can the program be performed from sheet music?

Yes, the program can be performed from sheet music. Playing from memory does not affect the jury’s assessment.