Dear Friends, this year has been special for us because it saw the premiere of the “Vistula Sounds” festival in Ciechocinek. The event proved to be a huge success, making us extremely happy. Since the first edition held in August we have undertaken significant efforts in preparation of the 2023 edition, and we would like to share some specific information on the work already completed. We have made some modifications to the Regulation and the Programme. Both documents are now available for download from the official “Vistula Sounds” website: Vistula Sounds. By popular demand from coaches and contestants we have created a separate “Bands” category covering three age groups. In the International Song Competition contestants will be allowed to sing one song only, with foreign contestants asked to perform a second piece in their native language during the special “Guests for Hosts” concert to be held on the banks of the Vistula river. This musical event will not be subject to evaluation by our judges, but will enable the foreign contestants to present their language, culture, and stage singing achievements. Although taking part in the Polish Song Competition is not mandatory in the 2023 edition of the Festival, we would like to urge all international contestants to get a better understanding of the Polish song repertoire and prepare a selected piece for presentation during the Polish Song Competition. We are very much looking forward to it. Some other changes to the 2023 edition include the following:
- the overall age bracket: 8-38 years;
- the tours program: we will offer the option to choose between a tour of Torun and the other capital of the Kuyavian-Pomeranian Voivodeship, i.e. Bydgoszcz – a beautiful and historic city;
- the prizes: in addition to the Grand Prix and the 1st, 2nd and 3rd prizes, 3 special prizes will be awarded: the Kuyavian-Pomeranian Voivode Prize (certificate and trophy), the Mayor of Ciechocinek Prize (certificate and trophy), and the Kuyavian-Pomeranian Marshall Prize (EUR 1,000); each of the Grand Prix will also come with a monetary prize of EUR 1,000; the Polish Song Competition prize will be sponsored by the SAWP Association in Poland.
Applications for the 2023 edition of the “Vistula Sounds” Festival will be accepted between February 1, 2023 and May 1, 2023. We are looking forward to hosting you in Ciechocinek on August 14-18, 2023!
We wish you a Merry Christmas and a successful New Year 2023!