In October 2026, Tychy will once again become the heart of the classical guitar world. On the occasion of a unique double anniversary – the 40th anniversary of the Festival and its 20th edition – we invite talented guitarists from around the globe to participate in the Jan Edmund Jurkowski International Guitar Competition. The event, which for decades has launched the careers of leading artists on the world stage, has officially opened its application process.
The Tychy competition has long enjoyed a reputation as one of the most demanding and prestigious music competitions in Europe. Often compared to the Chopin Competition, it represents a crucial milestone in the artistic career of every aspiring virtuoso. It was here that artists such as Marcin Dylla, Jérémy Jouve and Kyuhee Park celebrated some of their first major successes.
“As jurors, we are looking for genuine artistry that truly moves us,” emphasizes Marcin Dylla, Chairman of the Jury. This year’s edition is particularly significant not only for the Festival, but also for the host city, as it coincides with the 75th anniversary of Tychy being granted city rights.
One of the features that distinguishes the Silesian Guitar Autumn from other festivals is its unique competition structure. Following the online preliminary round (Stage I), the best musicians will travel to Tychy to perform live. The competition culminates in a spectacular Final Round, where contestants perform with the legendary AUKSO Chamber Orchestra of the City of Tychy.
In the Final Round, participants will perform one of the masterpieces of the guitar concerto repertoire:
Mario Castelnuovo-Tedesco – Concerto No. 1 in D Major, Op. 99
Joaquín Rodrigo – Concierto de Aranjuez
Key Information for Applicants
Applications: Online only until 31 August 2026
Prizes: A total prize fund of €14,000 (First Prize: €8,000), as well as special prizes and concert engagements in Poland and abroad.
Wild Cards: First-prize winners of the guitar competitions in Krynica-Zdrój and Olsztyn (2025) are granted direct entry to Stage II without participating in the preliminary round.
Entry Fee: €80
Detailed regulations and the application form (available in Polish and English) can be found at:
👉 guitar.tychy.pl/konkurs
Schedule of the 20th Competition
Until 31 August 2026 – Submission of applications and video recordings
18 September 2026 – Announcement of candidates qualified for Stage II
20–21 October 2026 – Stage II live auditions in Tychy
24 October 2026 – Grand Final, announcement of results and Winners’ Concert
Do not miss the opportunity to join the elite of the international guitar world. See you in Tychy – the city where music meets history!
Photo: A. Pławski