Apply to Polstjärnepriset
Application
Eligible for the competition are musicians born 2008-2012, playing one of the standard classical orchestral instruments, including piano. Organ, guitar, accordion, and percussion are excluded from the competition.
Applications to the competition are submitted through this form, no later than 15 June 2026.
Polstjärnepriset takes place over two periods: part 1, 28 October-1 November 2026 and part 2, 1-6 January 2027. Participation requires full attendance all days.
Documents
Polstjärnepriset 2027 Announcement and competition rules
Polstjärnepriset 2027 Concerto list
Fees and costs
Participation in the Polstjärnepriset competition is free of charge. Costs for travels, meals and accommodation are paid by the participants. Participants who play one of our focus instruments (oboe, bassoon, French horn, viola or double bass) and who live more than 300 kilometres from Vänersborg, will receive a travel allowance of up to 800 SEK. The same applies to all competition participants from Finland and Iceland. Polstjärnepriset will book accommodation in multi-bed rooms, including breakfast, at a discounted price at Arena and Strand Hotel in Vänersborg. Meals (lunch and dinner) will also be booked at a discounted cost at the Vänerparken restaurant. Payment is due before arrival.
Important dates
15 April 2026
The application opens.
15 June 2026
Last day for applying to Polstjärnepriset, the competition. Please note that audio recordings, all scores and copy of ID document, identity card or certificate from your school must be attached to your application.
10 August 2026
An announcement will be sent, via e-mail, to the participants who are offered a place in the competition. Documentation and other requirements will be attached. Those who are not admitted to the competition may be offered a position at the course.
17 August 2026
Last day of confirmation of participation at the competition. The confirmation means that you agree to participate on both periods during Polstjärnepriset part 1 and part 2.
1 October 2026
Scores and parts for ensemble and orchestra are available on the login page.
15 October 2026
Last day notice if you want to change the competition repertoire.
Email to jonas.olsson@yomacenter.se. Please note that after this date you can’t change the repertoire.
28 October – 1 November 2026
Polstjärnepriset part 1. Mandatory attendance every day. Lessons, chamber music, orchestra rehearsals, and festival concerts.
28 October 2026
Entry and registration at Vänerparken 14.45-16.45. Activities start at 17.00.
1 November 2026
Return journey no earlier than 16.10 from Vänersborg.
1–6 January 2026
Polstjärnepriset part 2. Mandatory attendance every day.
1 January 2027
Rehearsals with pianist from 14.00 according to an individual schedule.
2 January 2027
First round of the competition.
3 January 2027
Semifinal (a public concert) in Vänersborg at 18.00. Competitors who don’t reach the semifinal will have lessons, chamber music and/or orchestra.
4 January 2027
Finalists go to Gothenburg to rehearse with the Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra.
Competitors who don’t reach the final will have lessons, chamber music and festival concerts.
5 January 2027
All competitors and course participants travel to Gothenburg Concert Hall.
The final starts at 15.00
6 January 2027
Concert in another city.
Prizes, awards and engagements
Polstjärnepriset offers you:
- the chance to win prize money and the opportunity to perform at prestigious venues
- valuable experience for your CV and career
- lessons, masterclasses and ensemble playing with eminent teachers, plus valuable feedback from the Polstjärnepriset jury
- the chance to play with Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra, and if you reach the final, to play with them as a soloist
- the chance to play, develop and perform alongside 80 of the Nordic’s most talented young musicians
- the opportunity to reach a wider audience (in person and online) and raise your profile in the media
- the chance to raise your level even further through your own preparations for the competition
- the chance to prepare yourself for the challenges of a career as a musician, such as auditions and concerts
The prize money, donated by Intea Vänerparken AB, is as follows:
1st prize: 50 000 SEK
2nd prize: 10 000 SEK
3rd prize: 5 000 SEK
4th prize: 5 000 SEK
Taxes will be paid by the winners.
The 1st prize winner may be offered a soloist engagement, performing a short work with the Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra, Royal Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra or Swedish Radio Symphony Orchestra at some time during the year following the competition. The 1st prize winner will also be invited to curate a concert (solo/chamber/small orchestra) in connection with the next edition of the competition, in November 2027. The other prize-winners may also be offered engagements at festivals or with orchestras.
Anders Lindströms stipendium till unga blåsare
Thanks to a generous grant from Anders Lindströms stipendium till unga blåsare, scholarships will be awarded to wind players taking part in the Polstjärnepriset competition in January 2027. The Polstjärnepriset jury selects the scholarship recipients.