Irena Santor Vistula Sounds Bydgoszcz 2026

 

RULES AND GUIDELINES

 

      I. Event characteristics

  • The Vistula Sounds Festival is organized by Sar Sargsyan Cultural Entertainment Artistic Agency and Sar Sargsyan Cultural Entertainment Foundation (Warsaw, Poland).
  • From the 2025 edition onwards, the Vistula Sounds Festival has been the name of First Lady of Polish song Irena Santor (the naming ceremony took place on November 25, 2024 in Ciechocinek, among others in the presence of the Artist).
  • Vistula Sounds is an annual international music event.
  • Vistula Sounds offers musical entertainment and promotes tourism and cultural exchange, while providing education in singing and stage performance.
  • The Festival is made up of three concerts and two vocal competitions: the Polish Song Contest and the International Song Contest.
  • The Awards Ceremony for participants (excluding the Grand Prix) will be held during the “Thank you, Hosts” concert by foreign participants.
  • The Grand Prix and the Special Awards will be presented during the Gala Concert.
  • Participants can take advantage of vocal masterclasses hosted by selected judges.
  • Two cultural exchange meetings will be held during the Festival: “Meeting of Cultures” and “Polish Culture”.
  • Participants will have the opportunity to take part in the “Get to Know Kuyavia and Pomerania” guided tours (with Polish, English and Russian speaking guides), with day trips to Toruń, Bydgoszcz and Solec Kujawski.
  • The Festival will terminate with a farewell "See you in Kuyavia and Pomerania” evening for the participants featuring the festival cake and DJ music.
  • Singers and vocal groups from all over the world are invited to participate in the Festival competitions.
  • The Festival is not a commercial event – admission to all festival events is free.

 

      II. Objectives

  1. Promote and cultivate the aesthetic, musical, vocal and stage performance values following the splendid traditions of the world stage performances, with the singer Irena Santor, patron of the "Vistula Sounds" festival and one of the most outstanding personalities of the Polish stage performances being an outstanding representative in Poland;
  2. Advertise and cultivate the extraordinary artistic success and the songs of the patron of the "Vistula Sounds" festival, Irena Santor (covers allowed);
  3. Promote superior musical entertainment through songs in which music carries and complements the lyrics, being an artistic expression of the human condition against a social, historical and political background;
  4. Present, promote and advance the Polish culture, including the successes of Polish stage singers, among foreign festival and participants and contestants, their singing coaches, and other guests;
  5. Present, promote and advertise the guest countries and their cultures among the Polish audiences of the event;
  6. Promote a high level of artistic performance through education, including vocal coaching, song interpretation, and stage presence;
  7. Discover and promote talents, and support artistic development to nurture individual needs;
  8. Promote the city of Bydgoszcz as an attractive tourist destination among the young generations of Polish and foreign participants and guests;
  9. Promote the cultural and spiritual heritage of Poland and the region of Kuyavia and Pomerania, along with the ample potential to grow in tourism, science, history, and economy;
  10. Enhance the extensive entertainment offering of the city of Bydgoszcz with an attractive event for tourists and residents;
  11. Shape intercultural competences through quality education, rejection of stereotypes and ethnocentric biases, promotion of diversity, sensitivity, curiosity and openness to other cultures, as well as through establishing acquaintances, both professional and private, across borders;
  12. Build and reinforce the image of the “Vistula Sounds” festival as a diverse international event of high standing, attracting interesting and friendly people to a beautiful and pleasant location.

 

      III. Vocal competitions

 1. Age groups

1.1. SOLOISTS 

   I. Youths aged 14-16;

   II. Youths aged 17-21;

   III. Adults aged 22-38.

1.2. ENSEMBLES (Duet, Trio and ensembles over 3 people)

   I. Youths aged 14-19;

   II. Adults aged 20-38.

* You are to select the age category based on your age on the day of the competition.

* Categories which attract fewer than 5 contestants will be combined with a neighbouring category – subject to a decision by the judges.

* The ensemble category to be determined based on the age of the majority of ensemble members.

 2. International Song Competition

2.1. Contestants are required to perform 2 songs composed by international composers, in any language (except Polish) – any character/style.

2.2. One of the songs must be performed in a language of the countries participating in the Festival (the list of participating countries has been made available on the Festival's website under the tab “Participating countries”). Participants can will sing a song from their own country (except Polish), but songs from other countries participating in the festival are welcome.

2.3. The total performance time for both songs is 7 minutes.

2.4. Both songs will be performed as one performance.

 3. Polish Song Competition

3.1. Contestants are required to perform a song by a Polish Composer in the Polish language.

3.2. The performance time is up to 4 minutes.

 4. General terms and conditions for the two competitions

4.1. Soloists, duets, trios and vocal groups of over 3 people may apply for one or two competitions.

4.2. Prior Vistula Sounds Grand Prix winners are not allowed to apply for participation in the festival competitions during a period of 5 years following the receipt of a Grand Prix.

4.3. Contestants may perform any genre of the following: pop, rap, rock, jazz, blues, gospel, spiritual, reggae, soul, fancy, r&b, chanson, classical crossover, pop-opera, pop-folk, as well as musical, cinematography, and rock opera pieces.

4.4. Since from 2025, the Special Prizes include an award for the best performance of a song from Irena Santor repertoire (III; 6 - 6.9.), we encourage those applying for both competitions to reach for songs from the repertoire of Irena Santor - patron of the "Vistula Sounds" festival. We inform you that the Artist has in her repertoire not only Polish songs, but also world hits.

4.5. All performances must be made using musical backgrounds. Contestants may bring their own accompanist or ensemble, subject to a prior approval by the organizers.

4.6. Back vocals are allowed but should not dominate the performer’s singing.

4.7. Playback and double vocal performances are not allowed.

4.8. All pieces must be performed in the original language.

4.9. Competition singing will be held in open doors.

4.10. Contestants may participate in both contests (optional).

4.11. Background music recordings must be submitted in mp3 format only accordance with the Regulation between June 1 - July 1, 2026, at:This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. The email must contain the following information: 

  • Polish Song Contest, full name of contestant /ensemble, authors and Song Title;
  • International Song Contest, full name of contestant /ensemble, authors and Songs Title. 

 5. Judges and evaluation criteria

5.1. The judges are nominated by the organizers.

5.2. The judges are professional singing experts, vocal tutors, singers, conductors, composers, directors of singing festivals, as well as music agents from Poland and other countries.

5.3. Singing performances will be evaluated using a 10-point scale.

5.4. The performance in the international song competition will be assessed with one mark (III.2.).

5.5. The ultimate scoring is based on evaluations issued by all judges.

5.6. Judges may:

  • award or not award the Grand Prix;
  • award or not award the 1st, 2nd, 3rd place;
  • award or not award special mentions, prizes, and individual recognitions.

5.7. In the event of disputes, the final decision rests with the head judge.

5.8. Judges shall evaluate the contestants based on the following criteria:

  • purity of intonation and sound quality;
  • mastery of performance;
  • nature and style of performance;
  • stage image and culture.

5.9. Judges may stop a performance should a contestant exceed the awarded time limit.

5.10.  Evaluations made by the judges and the evaluation meetings are confidential.

5.11. The competition reports shall include the final decisions and be signed by all judges.

5.12.  All judges’ decisions are final and may not be challenged.

5.13. The judges reserve the right not to comment to the contestants on the decisions made.

 6. Awards and prizes

6.1. Per the final report, contestants shall be awarded the following:

  • Festival Grand Prix;
  • 1st, 2nd, 3rd places (per age group, in both competitions);
  • Special Mention (in both competitions).

6.2. Grand Prix winner will be awarded festival trophy, certificate, as well as cash prize of EUR 3,000 and gifts from festival partners. 

NOTE:

a. Cash prizes are gross in value and are subject to local Polish tax regulations involving a 10% tax on the gross amount;

b. Winner will receive net amounts, i.e. after taxation referred to in section a. above has been applied;

c. Winner is free to choose the currency of the cash prize which can be either EUR or PLN (Polish zloty) with the latter calculated using the average National Bank of Poland exchange rate published on the previous business day prior to cash prize award.

6.3. 1st place winners shall be awarded festival trophies, certificates, as well as cash prize (Information on the amount will appear soon) and gifts from festival partners.

6.4. 2nd, and 3rd place winners shall be awarded festival trophies, certificates, as well as gifts from festival partners.

6.5. The Grand Prix and the 1st place may not be divided.

6.6. If necessary, the Jury may decide to divide the 2nd, and 3rd place prizes.

6.7. Special Mention winners shall be awarded special festival certificates and medals, as well as gifts from festival partners.

6.8. All contestants shall be awarded festival certificates and medals, as well as gifts from festival organizers.

6.9. Special Prizes: (To be updated soon) .

6.10.In addition to the above awards contestants may be invitations to international competitions and festivals.

6.11. Coaches and managers of contestants shall be awarded certificates of appreciation.  

 7. Applications (To participate in a series of educational events in the field of vocal and artistic education, cultural and regional competences.)

7.1. Applications for participation in the Vistula Sounds competitions will be accepted between February 1, 2026 – May 1, 2026.

7.2. Applications are to be made online at  “Vistula Sounds” website (the form will appear on February 1, 2026) and submitted with the following documents:

  • fully completed consent form for the processing of personal data (GDPR);
  • high-quality photograph of contestant(s);
  • link to a video clips showing the performances of the pieces to be performed during the Festival; the video clips must not be older than 1 year;
  • confirmation of registration fee payment.

7.3. Separate application forms are to be completed for either competition.

7.4. NOTE: The Artistic Council of the Festival will decide which applications will be approved for performance on site. As such, application alone does not guarantee qualification and performance at the Festival. Each applicant will receive information via email between May 10 - 15, 2026, about whether they have qualified for the competitions or not.

* Should you not receive the notification within the above-mentioned deadline, please contact the organizers.

7.5. All Artistic Council's decisions are final and may not be challenged.The Artistic Council reserve the right not to comment to the applicants on the decisions made.

7.6. Individuals who have received personal invitations issued by the Festival organizers are guaranteed performance in the competitions.

 8. Application fees (Fee for participation in a series of educational events in the field of vocal and artistic education, cultural and regional competences)

8.1. The application fees are as follows:

For the International Song Contest

  • 400 PLN for soloists;
  • 500 PLN for duets;
  • 700 PLN for trios;
  • 900 PLN for quartets;
  • 1100 PLN for ensembles (4+ contestants).

For the Polish Song Contest

  • 300 PLN for soloists;
  • 400 PLN for duets;
  • 600 PLN for trios;
  • 800 PLN for quartets;
  • 1000 PLN for ensembles (4+ contestants). 

 * We kindly ask foreign participants to transfer funds in such a way that the exact amounts indicated above are received in the bank account of the Organizers. We recommend using foreign transfers (currency).

8.2. A 30% discount on the Polish Song Competition will be awarded to international contestants.

8.3. Application fees are payable separately for each competition.

8.4. Any additional fees (commissions) in relation to bank transfers will be borne by the contestants.

8.5. No application fee refunds will be made once payment has been made.

8.6. Application fees for applicants who do not get qualified for the competitions are non-refundable;

8.7. Bank details for application fee payments:

  • Bank: PKO BANK POLSKI
  • Account No: 90 1020 1013 0000 0102 0437 6034
  • IBAN: PL 90 1020 1013 0000 0102 0437 6034
  • BIC, SWIFT: BPKO PLPW
  • Recipient: SAR SARGSYAN CULTURAL ENTERTAINMENT

8.8. Bank transfers must include the following references:

  • Application fee, international song, full name of contestant /ensemble;
  • Application fee, Polish song, full name of contestant /ensemble. 

8.9. Application fees must be transferred once applications have been made, between February 1, 2026 – May 1, 2026.

 

      IV. Festival concerts

 1. Opening concert

1.1. The opening concert will be attended by the previous year Grand Prix winners and special guests.

1.2. The Festival organizers in cooperation with the Artistic Council reserve the right to select performances based on artistic merits.

 2. “Thank you, hosts” concert

2.1. All international contestants may participate in the concert, with participation optional.

2.2. The organizers with the Artistic Council reserve the right to select performances based on artistic merits.

2.3. Contestants must perform a song in their native language(s).

2.4. Max. duration: 4 minutes.

2.5. Contestants must register their performances at the following e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and do so between June 1, 2026 - July 1, 2026. This email should contain:

  • full name of contestant /ensemble;
    title of the song, full name of the authors;
  • link to a video clip showing the performance of the piece to be performed during the Festival; the video clip must not be older than 1 year.

 3. Gala Concert

3.1. The Gala Concert will be attended by the Grand Prix and 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners, as well as special guests.

3.2. The repertoire choices will be made by the judges and organizers.

 4. General concert terms and conditions

4.1. Concerts may be attended by soloists, duets, trios, and ensembles.

4.2. Playback and double vocal performances are not allowed.

4.3. All performances must have musical backgrounds. Contestants may bring their own accompanist or ensemble, subject to a prior approval by the organizers.

   

      V. Final provisions 

 1. Copyright to all video, audio and photo material produced during the event remains the exclusive property of the organizers: the Sar Sargsyan Cultural Entertainment Agency (SSCE) and Sar Sargsyan Cultural Entertainment Foundation (SSCE).

 2. The SSCE Agency and SSCE Foundation shall have the right to use and distribute these materials in various formats on social media, as well as on television and radio and other media, without any obligation to pay royalties to contestants.

 3. Contestants must only use copyright-protected background music to accompany their performances.

 4. Contestants are fully responsible for the observance of the copyright of the songs to be performed during the festival.

 5. All personal information and background music files shall be stored in the official festival database and shall not distributed to third parties.

 6. Contestants applying for participation in the competitions consent for the public processing of their personal data.

 7. Due to the exceptional character of the festival, its program and organization, all international contestants and guests are required to stay in the festival hotels (details to be found in the "Organizational Arrangements").

 8. The obligation set out above in item 7 does not apply to Polish contestants, but it is highly advisable for them to stay in Ciechocinek (details to be found in the "Organizational Arrangements").

 9. All contestants are required to participate in all festival events to ensure the accomplishment of the festival objectives.

10. The document (tab) “Organizational Arrangements” is part of the Festival Regulation and applicants are required to read and understand its contents.

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