61st International Instrumental Competition Markneukirchen 2026

Markneukirchen — the Saxon center of musical instrument making

Markneukirchen in the Vogtland region, close to the Czech border, has been the world capital of string, plucked, and wind instrument making since the 17th century. Violin making, bow making, string, brass, and accordion manufacturing shape the small town with its approximately 7,000 inhabitants. The Markneukirchen Musical Instrument Museum houses one of the most important collections in the world — and the International Instrumental Competition, held since 1957, makes the town an international stage for young musicians every year.

Record 2026 — 150 participants from 34 countries

The 61st edition in 2026 is the largest and most international in the history of the competition. 150 musicians from 34 countries (ages 14–32) have qualified for the two categories Horn (67) and Tuba (83). The competition takes place in four public rounds over the festival days and culminates in a final with an orchestra. Prize money: a total of €31,000 for the winners of both categories.

Venues and Repertoire

The Horn rounds take place in the Musikhalle Markneukirchen, and the Tuba rounds in the Altes Schloss Erlbach. Daily start at 9:00 AM — free admission. The required repertoire includes, among others:

• Horn: Olivier Messiaen, Jean Françaix, Paul Dukas — standard works for concert horn from the 19th to the 21st century.
• Tuba: William Kraft «Encounters II», Zoltán Gardonyi «Sonata for Tuba and Piano» — contemporary and modernist tuba repertoire.

Accompanying program — Concerts for the audience

In addition to the competition rounds, there is a dense concert program for the general public. Opening concert on Friday, May 8, 2026: the Markneukirchen Symphony Orchestra under Matthias Spindler with violist Carla Usberti as soloist — works by Louise Farrenc, Henri Casadesus, and César Franck. On Tuesday, May 12, 2026: the Markneukirchen Wind Orchestra with clarinetist Holger Heberlein presents «Ein Lied geht um die Welt» — traditional melodies and modern arrangements. Several other concerts with prize winners from previous years and professional musicians from Saxony complete the program.

WFIMC Recognition and International Significance

The Markneukirchen Competition is a member of the World Federation of International Music Competitions (WFIMC) — the world's leading umbrella organization for classical music competitions. This recognition guarantees the highest standards in jury, selection process, and repertoire requirements. Many Markneukirchen prize winners have gone on to have careers at leading conservatories and orchestras worldwide — the town is a true platform for launching an international music career.