International ARD Music Competition Munich
Most renowned music competition of the ARD – 75th edition in Munich
About ARD Music Competition
Travel to this festival
Reserva tu tren o autobús para llegar a ARD Music Competition al mejor precio.
Sponsored link
75 Years of International Music History
The International ARD Music Competition was founded in Munich in 1952 and is now one of the largest and most renowned music competitions in the world. The 2026 edition marks the 75th anniversary and takes place in the Bavarian state capital, Munich, in the Upper Bavaria administrative region.
Four Disciplines in 2026
In the anniversary year, four disciplines are on the program: String Quartet, Percussion, Bassoon, and Organ. Particularly noteworthy: after a 15-year break, the Organ returns to the competition. The juries are chaired by, among others, Martin Grubinger (Percussion) and Vineta Sareika (String Quartet).
Several Venues in Munich
The main venue is the Hochschule für Musik und Theater München for bassoon and percussion. The organ competitions take place in the St. Michaelskirche – one of Germany's most important Renaissance churches. The first two rounds of the string quartet competition will be held at the Amerikahaus on Karolinenplatz.
Career Springboard
The ARD Music Competition is considered the most important career springboard for young professional classical musicians. Many prize winners of past decades – including Mitsuko Uchida, Heinrich Schiff, and Maurice André – later became world stars. Bavarian Broadcasting (BR) broadcasts numerous rounds and concerts live.
Prize Winner Concerts for All
The event concludes with three free prize winner concerts: a chamber concert (September 16), a concert with the Munich Chamber Orchestra (September 17), and a gala concert with the Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra (September 18). These make the festival accessible to a broad Munich audience.
ARD Music Competition — edition 2026
The 2026 edition marks the 75th anniversary of the ARD Music Competition and runs from August 30 to September 18, 2026. The competition disciplines are String Quartet, Percussion, Bassoon, and – making a comeback after 15 years – Organ.
The organ competition begins on August 30 at the St. Michaelskirche; the other disciplines follow between September 2 and 4 at the Hochschule für Musik und Theater and the Amerikahaus, respectively. The finals take place between September 8 and 13. Three prize winner concerts (Chamber Concert Sept. 16, Munich Chamber Orchestra Sept. 17, Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra Sept. 18) conclude the festival.
Programme ARD Music Competition 2026
Program ARD Music Competition 2026
- Aug 30: Start of Organ Competition (St. Michaelskirche)
- Sep 2–4: Start of String Quartet, Percussion, Bassoon Competitions
- Sep 8–13: Finals in the four disciplines
- Sep 16: Prize Winner Chamber Concert
- Sep 17: Prize Winner Concert with the Munich Chamber Orchestra
- Sep 18: Gala Concert with the Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra
Highlights ARD Music Competition 2026
- 75th Anniversary Edition
- Comeback of the Organ after a 15-year break
- Four Disciplines: String Quartet, Percussion, Bassoon, Organ
- Jury including Martin Grubinger and Vineta Sareika
- Three free prize winner concerts to conclude
- Live broadcasts on BR-KLASSIK
Prices ARD Music Competition 2026
Competition rounds are partially open to the public, often at moderate prices. Prize winner concerts on September 16, 17, and 18 are free (registration recommended). Detailed ticket information at ard-musikwettbewerb.de.
Practical information — ARD Music Competition
Getting There
The Hochschule für Musik und Theater is centrally located at Arcisstraße 12, within walking distance of Königsplatz (U2 subway line). St. Michael is in the pedestrian zone (Kaufingerstraße, S-Bahn Marienplatz or Karlsplatz/Stachus). The Amerikahaus is located on Karolinenplatz.
Admission and Tickets
Competition rounds are partially open to the public, often at moderate prices or with free admission. The prize winner concerts are free (registration recommended). Live broadcasts via BR-KLASSIK.
Tips
Check the website for the current program and admission policy. The finals of individual disciplines take place between September 8 and 13 and are among the most sought-after events.
Festival-goer photos
No photos yet. Share yours!
Share your photos
Max. 5 photos, 5 MB per photo (JPG, PNG, WebP)
Spotted an error or missing information?
Help us keep this listing up to date. Each suggestion is reviewed by our team before being published.
Festival-goer reviews
No rating yet — be the first!
No comments yet. Be the first!
Were you there?
Share your experience with the community.
Travel to this festival
Reserva tu tren o autobús para llegar a ARD Music Competition al mejor precio.
Sponsored link
Where it takes place ARD Music Competition
Hochschule für Musik und Theater München, St. Michaelskirche, Amerikahaus
Arcisstraße 12, 80333 München