Young compositional talents are once again being given an exceptional opportunity. The Leoš Janáček International Music Festival has opened applications for the international competition Generation 2026 — a project that has for years helped emerging composers move straight from the studio to the concert stage.

Finalists in the senior category will work directly with an orchestra: they will spend several days in Ostrava, consult with the jury, and bring their compositions to life in live performance — in front of both audiences and professionals.

Younger composers, in turn, will have the chance to hear their chamber works performed as part of the Hudební současnost (Contemporary Music) festival, attend rehearsals, and work one-on-one with performers. For many, this represents their first major professional impulse.

Who is Generation 2026 open to?

The competition has two main categories:

Up to 30 years of age – works for chamber orchestra
The highlight is the June final with the Janáček Philharmonic Ostrava, followed by the Symphonic Laboratory — an intensive two-day seminar in Hukvaldy led by renowned composers.

Up to 21 years of age – chamber works for 1–9 instruments
Selected compositions will be performed in autumn 2026 at the Hudební současnost festival, with the composers in attendance.

Competition Jury

• Ondřej Adámek (CZ, FR) – composer, conductor, Chair of the Jury

• Markéta Dvořáková (CZ) – composer, pedagogue, representing the Ostrava Creative Centre

• Marián Lejava (SK) – composer, conductor, pedagogue

• Mateusz Ryczek (PL) – composer, Vice President of the Polish Composers’ Union

• Vito Žuraj (SK) – composer

Applications are open until 24 January 2026.

Results of the first round of the Up to 30 category and the final results of the Up to 21 category will be announced on 28 February 2026.

Detailed conditions, exact instrumentation, and the full timeline are available on the competition website.