1. General information
The organizer of the 5th Jarek Smietana International Jazz Guitar Competition is the My Polish Heart Foundation. The competition is intended for guitarists of all nationalities, aged up to 35, performing jazz and related genres of improvised music. The organizers accept all types of guitar, including instruments acoustic and electric instruments. The competition is held every 2 years.
2. Applications
Complete applications must be submitted via the application form by the deadline of May 1, 2025 to July 30, 2025.
3. Repertoire requirements
The organizer does not set any repertoire requirements at the online application stage. Candidates qualified for the semi-finals are bound by the following program:
Any composition by Jarek Smietana selected by the candidate;
Two freely chosen songs (own compositions possible)
Candidates qualified for the finals are bound by the following program:
Any composition by Jarek Smietana chosen by the candidate (other than the one presented during the semi-final auditions);
Two freely chosen pieces (own compositions possible).
The organizer allows the possibility of performing solo compositions. All other compositions, contestants are required to perform with the same rhythm section guaranteed by the organizer (bass guitar/contrabass + drums). The organizer does not allow performance with recorded instrumental backing (playback, semi-playback, sampling, etc.).
The duration of the audition during the semifinals and finals for each candidate is a maximum of 30 minutes.
The organizer allows the performance of one solo song during the semifinals and one solo song during the finals.
NOTE!!! The songs selected by the participants to perform during the semifinals and finals may not be repeated.
4. Prizes
The final distribution of prizes is decided by the competition jury. It is the obligation of the winners to participate in the final concert (September 20, 2025). Failure to do so is tantamount to a violation of the rules of the Competition and will result in exclusion from the Competition and withdrawal of the prize.
5. Competition auditions
Auditions of participants qualified for the semi-finals will be held at the Krakow Philharmonic Hall on September 18-19, 2025.
The final auditions and the evening Winners' Concert will also be held at the Krakow Philharmonic Hall on September 20, 2025. The order of performances will be determined randomly and announced before the semifinals begin. All competition auditions will be open to the public.
6. Note material
The sheet music of the candidates qualified for the semi-final auditions in Cracow should be sent to the Competition Organizer no later than September 5, 2025 to info@smietanacompetition.com. The notes with the titles and names of the composers should include performance suggestions and the basic score (melody and harmonic outline) and sample MP3 recordings of the candidates (this applies to the candidates' own compositions). Failure to do so will result in the exclusion of the candidate from the Competition. The Laureates selected by the jury agree to free television, radio and Internet broadcast of all stages of the competition auditions including the Laureates' concert on September 20, 2025.
7. obligations of the organizer
The organizer provides a concert hall with full sound system, lighting and technical support. The Organizer provides a rhythm section consisting of double bass/bass guitar, percussion, with which qualified candidates will be able to rehearse before each performance. All participants in the Competition will perform with the same rhythm section. The participant covers transportation, accommodation and insurance on his own.
8. Final Provisions
Winners selected by the jury agree to free television, radio and Internet broadcast of all stages of the competition auditions including the gala concert on September 20, 2025. The Organizer reserves the right to cancel the Competition without giving reasons.
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07/15/2025 23:59 |
Deadline for submitting applications |
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08/01/2025 21:00 |
Announcement of semi-finalists |
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09/18/2025 13:00 |
Competition auditions - semi-final |
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09/19/2025 13:00 |
Competition auditions - semi-final |
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09/20/2025 13:00 |
Competition auditions - final |
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09/20/2025 20:00 |
Concert of Winners and Stars |