Polstjärnepriset 2025
On this page you’ll find information about Polstjärnepriset Nordic Edition 2025 – the Competition. Here you’ll read more about the application process and important dates of the competition. Also take a look at the program for Polstjärnepriset 2023 to get an idea about what it’s like to participate in the Nordic competition. Do you want to know more about the Polstjärnepriset course instead? Information can be found here.
Polstjärnepriset Nordic Edition 2025 – the Competition
Polstjärnepriset offers you:
- the chance to win prize money and opportunities of prestigious performances
- valuable credentials for your résumé and your career
- lessons, master classes and ensemble playing with eminent educators and valuable feedback from the Polstjärnepriset jury
- to play together with the Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra, and if you reach the final you will be accompanied by the orchestra
- to play, develop and perform together with 80 of the Nordic region’s foremost young musicians
- to have the opportunity to meet a large audience (on site and online) and develop your profile in the media
- to raise your level further through your own competition preparations
- to prepare you for the challenges of the music profession, such as auditions and concerts
Eligible for the competition are musicians born 2006-2010, playing one of the standard classical orchestral instruments including piano. Organ, guitar, accordion and percussion are excluded from the competition.
Polstjärnepriset takes place over two periods: part 1, 31 October-3 November 2024 and part 2, 1-6 January 2025. The semi-final takes place on 3 January in Vänersborg. The final will be held on 5 January at Gothenburg Concert Hall. Polstjärnepriset ends with a concert at Stockholm Concert Hall on 6 January.
Polstjärnepriset part 1
During Polstjärnepriset part 1, in November, we focus on development, inspiration and preparation. You’ll get individual lessons and have the chance to play together with the other participants, both from the course and the competition. Most participants also perform during concerts in Vänersborg.
Polstjärnepriset part 2
During the first week of January, as a participant in the competition, you’ll play your first round for the Polstjärnepriset jury. From the first round, eight participants will be chosen for the semi-finals, which are held as a public concert in Vänersborg. All participants who do not progress to the semi-finals receive feedback and classes from the jury. They also continue to play in ensembles and orchestras, participating in the Polstjärnepriset concerts in Vänersborg, Gothenburg and Stockholm.
At the semi-final, the jury selects four finalists who’ll play their final performance at the Gothenburg Concert Hall together with the Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra. At the final, the jury chooses the winner and announces the other prize-winners.
Prizes, benefits and awards
The winning prizes donated by Intea Vänerparken AB are 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 will 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 2025. The other prize winners may also be offered engagements at festivals or with orchestras.
Polstjärnepriset receives a special contribution from Beijerstiftelsen.
Application
The application to Polstjärnepriset Nordic Edition 2025 – the competition opens on 15 April 2024 and closes on 15 June. Here you can find the application form and important information and dates.