cantateBach! — Internationaler Gesangswettbewerb für Kirchenmusik

Eighth Edition 2026

The International Competition for Choral Music Singing »cantateBach!« will take place for the eighth time in Greifswald in 2026 — from May 29 to 31, immediately before the start of the 80th Greifswalder Bachwoche. Both events are closely linked in terms of timing and organization: the competition also serves as the kick-off for the Bachwoche festival.

Conditions of Participation

Singers of soprano, alto, tenor, and bass voice types, born between 1994 and 2008, are invited. The registration deadline is April 11, 2026, and the registration fee is 40 Euros. Program suggestions must be submitted with works from the repertoire of Bach cantatas, passions, and motets, as well as freely chosen Baroque literature.

Competition Structure

The competition consists of a preliminary selection, main rounds, and final rounds. The first rounds take place at various venues in Greifswald; the final on May 31, 2026, at 7 p.m. will be held in the Dom St. Nikolai — in front of an audience and in the acoustically outstanding hall of the cathedral.

Prizes

Four main prizes are awarded: 1st Prize 4,000 Euros, 2nd Prize 3,000 Euros, 3rd Prize 2,000 Euros, 4th Prize 1,000 Euros. In addition, there are concert invitations, mentoring, and media visibility through partners in Germany and internationally.

Local Context

Greifswald is part of the Vorpommern-Greifswald district in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. The Greifswalder Bachwoche (founded in 1946) is, according to its own statement, the most traditional music festival in the state; cantateBach! has complemented the festival for eight editions with an explicit focus on promoting young singers in Bach's repertoire.