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XVI International Music Competition “Fortissimo”

· By Maryna Rak

When: December 2 – 5, 2026

For soloists and ensembles from age 5, with no upper age limit: pupils and students of music schools, colleges and universities, as well as teachers and accompanists. FortepianArt – International Music Hub in Warsaw is one of the co-organisers.

Key facts

  • Dates: 2–5 December 2026, online and in person · Ukraine – Germany – Poland
  • Entry deadline: 23 November 2026
  • Two rounds: video entries (16–23 November 2026), then live performances (2–5 December 2026)
  • Categories: piano, digital piano, organ, strings, guitar, accordion and bayan, harp, wind and folk instruments, instrumental and piano ensembles, solo with orchestra, solo singing (academic, folk, pop), vocal ensembles and choirs
  • Age groups: up to 8 · 9–11 · 12–14 · 15–25 · 25+ · mixed ensembles
  • Programme: every first-round programme includes one piece by a Slavic composer; solo and ensemble programmes are performed from memory
  • Languages: English, Ukrainian, German, Polish

Entry contribution

Solo €25 (youngest age group €15) · duet €30 · trio €40 · quartet €50 · quintet and larger €15 per person. In-person performers add an organisational fee of €20 per performance; a 20% discount applies to each additional category. Payment is made only after the organisers confirm your entry.

How to apply

By 23 November 2026, email okuz2502@gmail.com with the application form (Word), a passport-style photo (3.5 × 4.5 cm) and a public link to your video (YouTube, Google Drive or another cloud). Put the participant’s surname in the subject line and in the file names.

Videos should be recorded on a stage or in a concert hall, from 5–7 metres, without breaks within each round; pianists perform on a grand piano.

Awards

Laureate, Diploma winner and Participant titles, with electronic diplomas for every soloist and ensemble. The most outstanding performers may be invited to the Gala Concert; the Grand Prix winner receives a Grand Prix diploma and prizes.

Organisers

Ministry of Culture of Ukraine · National All-Ukrainian Music Union · European Piano Teachers Association (EPTA London) · Association of Piano Teachers of Ukraine (EPTA UA) · FortepianArt – International Music Hub, Warsaw

Questions? Ask FortepianArt. The full rules (in Polish) are available on request.