Poland’s Karol Szymanowski International Music Competition Removes Russian Music in Programs

The competition has banned all Russian music in competitors’ programs due to the ongoing war in Ukraine

A statement has been released by the Karol Szymanowski International Music Competition’s director, Ewa Bogusz-Moore, explaining the decision to remove Russian music from the competition program.

“Given the sensitivity to Russian culture present in Poland and as a gesture of solidarity with the Ukrainian people, it was decided that no works by Russian composers would be performed at the 2nd International Music Competition Karola Szymanowski in Katowice,” Bogusz-Moore said.

“We are filled with sadness, as we remained hopeful to the very last moment that the conflict abroad would end peacefully and we would be able to continue organizing the competition without having to make such decisions.

“We are fully aware that this decision is made only a few weeks before the start of the competition and that those competitors who planned to perform works by Russian composers are at a disadvantage,” she continued. “To ensure the competition remains equal for all competitors, the jury has decided to reduce the length of the required programs.”

Held in Katowice, Poland, the Karol Szymanowski International Music Competition occurs every five years in categories including piano, violin, string quartet, voice, and composition. The prize pool involves almost €300,000, as well as recording and concert opportunities.

The full list of participants can be found, here.