With 150 participants from 34 countries, the 2026 competition is the most international and largest in history

The Markneukirchen International Instrumental Competition is making history this year: with 150 participants from 34 countries and 5 continents, the 2026 competition has set two new records. Never before have so many young musicians taken part, and never before have so many nations been represented. The previous record, set in 2010, stood at 149 participants from 33 countries.

The competition thus impressively underlines its growing global significance and its position as one of the most prestigious international platforms for the next generation of top-class musicians.

This year’s competition focuses on the horn and tuba. Of the 206 applications accepted, 67 musicians in the horn category and 83 participants in the tuba category, aged between 14 and 32, have travelled to Markneukirchen. China, Germany and Japan are particularly well represented.

With the final rehearsals, preparations reach their climax today, Thursday. The competition will be held over three rounds, running until 16 May. The final rounds, with orchestral accompaniment, will take place on Thursday 14 May 2026 for the tuba category and on Friday 15 May 2026 for the horn category.

In the first round, which will take place from Friday 8 May to Sunday 10 May 2026, all participants will perform their competition programme before the international expert juries. In the horn category, the focus is on works by Olivier Messiaen, Jean Françaix and Paul Dukas, whilst in the tuba category, William Kraft’s Encounters II and Zoltán Gardonyi’s Sonata for Tuba and Piano will be performed.

The competition rounds will take place at the Musikhalle Markneukirchen (horn) and the Altes Schloss in Erlbach (tuba). They will begin daily at 9.00 am. Visitors are warmly welcome; admission is free.

A varied supporting programme will accompany the competition days with concerts, lectures and exhibitions. The event kicks off on Friday, 8 May 2026, with the opening concert featuring the Markneukirchen Symphony Orchestra conducted by Matthias Spindler, alongside viola soloist and last year’s prize-winner, Carla Usberti. The programme includes works by Louise Farrenc, Henri Casadesus and César Franck.

On Tuesday, 12 May 2026, the Markneukirchen Wind Orchestra invites you to a concert entitled “A Song Goes Around the World”.