19th International Festival Rybnik Choral Autumn named after H.M. Górecki

For the 19th time, Rybnik will become a meeting place for choirs from Poland and abroad.

Rybnica's Henryk Mikołaj Górecki Choral Autumn has been one of the most important choral music events in Silesia for years. It is a unique celebration of singing together, during which bands representing a variety of musical traditions, styles and cultures perform.

The patron of the festival is Henryk Mikołaj Górecki — one of the most outstanding Polish contemporary composers. His work and artistic heritage inspire generations of performers, and the festival itself remains a meeting place of passion, talent and musical sensitivity.

For nearly two decades, Rybnicka Choral Autumn has built a reputation as an event of international importance, gathering hundreds of performers and an audience for whom choral singing remains one of the most beautiful forms of common music.

As part of the 19th edition of the festival, competitive auditions of amateur choral ensembles will be held in five categories:

- school choirs - homogeneous choirs (male and female) - vocal ensembles (4—12 persons) - chamber choirs (13—24 persons) - mixed choirs

Participants will be judged by a professional jury composed of recognized conductors, educators and experts in choral music.

Financial prizes and prestigious awards await the winners, including the Grand Prix of the Festival with the gilded statuette of the Rybnica Choral Autumn. The total prize pool is PLN 30,000.

The final of the event will be the Laureates Concert combined with the announcement of the results and the presentation of the prizes.

Details: https://www.rybnickajesienchoralna.pl/

The most important terms

until 15 September 2026 — acceptance of applications by 30 September 2026 — qualification of teams for the competition by 10 October 2026 — deadline for payment of accreditation fee by qualified choirs 7 November 2026 — XIX Henryk Mikołaj Górecki International Festival Rybnik Choral Autumn

Venues of events

Competition auditions - free admission Karol and Antoni Szafranków State Music School I and II cycle in Rybnik

Laureates' concert - free admission The Church of Our Lady of Sorrows in Rybnik, 2 Franciszka Rybnickiego Street

Organizer - Theater of the Rybnik Region

Financial partner - City of Rybnik

Media Patronage - https://chortownia.org/

Partners: Parish of Our Lady of Sorrows in Rybnik

Silesian Association of Choirs and Orchestras

Karol and Antoni Szafranków State Music School I and II Degree in Rybnik