Open Call for pianists | A Visit to Marcelina 03.06.2026
We invite pianists to take part in the artistic component of “A Visit to Marcelina”, a project implemented at Villa Decius in Kraków – a place of exceptional significance for the history of music and nineteenth-century artistic culture.
A Visit to Marcelina
The central figure of the project is Marcelina Czartoryska – an outstanding pianist, one of the most important interpreters of Fryderyk Chopin’s works, an active participant in the artistic life of nineteenth-century Paris, and the owner of Villa Decius. Her biography forms a natural bridge between Kraków and Paris, the two cities that define the project’s conceptual framework.
The project explores the dialogue between Polish and French pianistic traditions and the musical heritage of Romanticism. It also invites reflection on the role of the pianist as interpreter, the master–student relationship, the significance of artistic patronage, and the transnational circulation of musical ideas in the nineteenth century.
The project explores the dialogue between Polish and French pianistic traditions and the musical heritage of Romanticism. It also invites reflection on the role of the pianist as interpreter, the master–student relationship, the significance of artistic patronage, and the transnational circulation of musical ideas in the nineteenth century.
Final Recitals
As part of the project, two recitals will take place at Villa Decius:
“Kraków–Paris” – 30 August 2026
“Paris–Kraków” – 27 September 2026
The project is based on collaboration between artists selected in Poland and France. Laureates of both stages of the competition will meet during the final concerts, jointly shaping the “Kraków–Paris” and “Paris–Kraków” recitals and creating a dialogue between two musical traditions.
“Kraków–Paris” – 30 August 2026
“Paris–Kraków” – 27 September 2026
The project is based on collaboration between artists selected in Poland and France. Laureates of both stages of the competition will meet during the final concerts, jointly shaping the “Kraków–Paris” and “Paris–Kraków” recitals and creating a dialogue between two musical traditions.
Who can apply?
The call is addressed to pianists interested in the Romantic repertoire, dialogue with history, and the co-creation of a project with a clearly defined artistic identity.
Participants will be invited to propose original recital programmes and interpretative narratives inspired by the legacy of Marcelina Czartoryska, the music of Fryderyk Chopin, and the cultural connections between Kraków and Paris.
We are looking for thoughtful and original proposals that combine music, history, and individual artistic imagination.
Participants will be invited to propose original recital programmes and interpretative narratives inspired by the legacy of Marcelina Czartoryska, the music of Fryderyk Chopin, and the cultural connections between Kraków and Paris.
We are looking for thoughtful and original proposals that combine music, history, and individual artistic imagination.
Participation Conditions
Selected participants will receive:
- a fee of €950 or 4000PLN gross
- participation in two recitals at Villa Decius,
- meals and accommodation in Kraków during the project.
Schedule and application
- Application deadline: 15 June 2026
- Results announcement: 30 June 2026
To participate, please complete the application form available here.
Co-financed by the Minister of Culture and National Heritage of the Republic of Poland under the National Centre for Culture programme SYNERGIE. Edition 2026.