2026 Chopin & Beyond Festival
International Competition of Polish Music (Online Edition)
The Seattle International Piano Festival (SIPF) proudly invites musicians from around the world to participate in the inaugural Chopin & Beyond Festival. This international online competition celebrates the brilliance of Frédéric Chopin, Henryk Wieniawski, and the rich legacy of Polish music — from the Romantic era through the works of contemporary masters.
Open to pianists, violinists, and other instrumentalists of all nationalities and ages, this festival is designed to inspire growth, highlight artistic excellence, and give musicians the opportunity to be recognized on an international stage. Participants receive written evaluations from distinguished adjudicators, along with eligibility for certificates, medals, and special prizes.
In addition to its broad range of performance divisions, the festival offers the prestigious Grand Prix competition for pianists ages 12–18, where select winners will receive cash prizes, diplomas, and the unique opportunity to participate in a masterclass with a guest artist of Polish heritage and expertise.
Many Paths for Participation
The Chopin & Beyond Festival celebrates the full breadth of Polish repertoire, with carefully defined performance categories to suit every stage of artistic development. From Chopin’s beloved etudes, preludes, mazurkas, and lyrical works, to Wieniawski’s fiery violin masterpieces, to the contributions of Szymanowski, Moszkowski, and other Polish composers both past and present, this event provides a stage for both the most iconic works and the hidden gems of the repertoire.
Chopin & Beyond Navigation
Application Deadline: March 1, 2026
Participants may choose from a wide range of categories, including:
Solo piano works by Chopin (Etudes, Preludes, Dances, Lyrical Works, and more)
Chopin and Wieniawski concerti (with accompaniment)
Polish Romantic composers beyond Chopin and Wieniawski
Twentieth-century and contemporary Polish voices — both living and deceased
Predecessors and influences of Chopin who shaped the tradition of Polish art music
Whether you are a young student taking first steps in performance, a developing pre-college artist, a collegiate professional, or an adult amateur, there is a place for you at the Chopin & Beyond Festival. With clearly defined age divisions and genre categories, participants will be evaluated fairly among their peers while gaining invaluable feedback and recognition.
This is more than a competition — it is an invitation to celebrate Polish heritage, artistry, and inspiration.
Registration
The form is set to accept applications starting July 1, 2025 at 12:00 pm, accepting credit cards for application fees and online signatures.
Bach Festival Rules, Guidelines, and Agreement
Application Deadline: All applications must be completed by 9:00 PM Pacific Daylight Time (UTC/GMT-7), Sunday, March 1, 2026. Click on the icon to the left to download a copy of the 2026 Chopin & Beyond Festival Rules, Guidelines, and Agreement.
2026 Jurors
To be announced shortly