Preisner Scoring Competition

Preisner Scoring Competition is a new international competition for young composers of film and illustrative music, created and led by Zbigniew Preisner. The 2026 edition takes place in Bielsko-Biała, Poland, and invites emerging composers from around the world to create an original concert work inspired by Pieter Bruegel the Elder’s The Tower of Babel.

Who can apply
The competition is open to composers of all nationalities aged 18–35 (as of 28 February 2026). Each participant may have no more than one IMDb credit as “composer” or “orchestrator”.

What to compose
Participants must submit a 10–15 minute orchestral composition offering a personal musical interpretation of The Tower of Babel.
The work must be written for a symphony orchestra using the fixed instrumentation provided by the organiser (full list available on the competition website). One optional additional audio track may be included. The piece must be entirely original, created specifically for this competition, and not previously performed or published.

Submission materials
Applicants must submit:
·       a completed online application form,
·       a short bio,
·       an mp3 mockup,
·       a full score (PDF + source file: Finale, Sibelius, Dorico or MusicXML),
·       orchestral parts in PDF,
·       audio files for the electronic layer (if used),
·       proof of payment of the entry fee.

Artificial intelligence (AI) tools may not be used in the creative process.

Fees
·       Early bird (until 30 December 2025): EUR 50 / PLN 200
·       Standard fee (until 28 February 2026): EUR 80 / PLN 340

Prizes
·       Grand Prix: EUR 25,000
·       Professional audio recording of all 10 finalist works
·       Additional non-monetary distinctions may be awarded.

Competition schedule
·       28 Feb 2026 – deadline for submissions
·       1 May 2026 – announcement of the 10 finalists
·       24–25 Jun 2026 – Stage II: rehearsals & performances in Bielsko-Biała
·       27 Jun 2026 – Final Concert & announcement of the winner