The 17th Henryk Wieniawski International Violin Competition in Poznań is under the Honorary Patronage of the President of the Republic of Poland Karol Nawrocki.
“The work of Henryk Wieniawski, one of the most outstanding Polish composers and violin virtuosos of the 19th century, remains alive despite the passage of nearly a century and a half since the artist’s death. His polonaises are still performed, and among his most frequently played works is the Violin Concerto in D minor. Wieniawski’s name is also present in culture thanks to the world’s oldest violin competition bearing his name, which is now being held for the 17th time.
His life was affected by history. Born in Lublin, in the Russian part of partitioned Poland, he was trained as a child by the most outstanding local violinists, and later studied in Paris, taught in St. Petersburg, and gave concerts in Europe and the United States. History has also left its mark on the history of the violin competition bearing his name. The tradition of this event, which began in Warsaw in 1935, was interrupted by World War II. It was not revived until 17 years later thanks to the efforts of the Musical Society of Poznań, which drew upon the rich legacy of the “Polish Song Communities” formed under the Prussian partition.
I extend my greetings to everyone attending this year’s edition of the competition. I thank its long-standing organizer – the Henryk Wieniawski Musical Society, as well as all the institutions and individuals supporting this endeavor, and the esteemed members of the jury.
I also offer my best wishes to the contestants. As expected by the jury, all participants will be required to perform two works by the competition’s patron in the first round, while the three finalists will perform either Violin Concerto No. 1 or No. 2. However, your very participation in the competition is a proof of your talent. You share this honor with the most prominent violinists who won awards here in the past: Kaja Danczowska and Agata Szymczewska, Bartłomiej Nizioł and Piotr Pławner, Vadim Brodski and Veriko Tchumburidze, Soyoung Yoon and Hina Maeda.
I am convinced that the audience – devoted to music and a loyal companion of the competition – will recognize and appreciate the dedication and passion of the young artists. I wish all of you many wonderful experiences.” — President Karol Nawrocki
(Official letter of September 25, 2026)
