Review and Summary 2026

The Markneukirchen International Instrumental Competition made history this year: with 150 participants from 34 countries and 5 continents, the 2026 competition set two new records. Never before have so many young musicians taken part, and never before have so many nations been represented. This impressively underlines the competition’s growing global significance and its status as one of the most prestigious international platforms for outstanding young musicians.

This year’s competition focused on the horn and tuba. Following a total of 206 accepted applications, 67 musicians in the horn category and 83 participants in the tuba category, aged between 14 and 32, travelled to Markneukirchen. China, Germany and Japan were particularly well represented.

For ten days, the city of music once again became a meeting place for the international elite of young musicians and showcased itself as a vibrant centre of musical instrument making through instrument exhibitions, events at the Musical Instrument Museum, open days and demonstrations at the historic sawmill.

Other highlights that drew large numbers of guests included the successful opening symphony concert featuring the Markneukirchen Symphony Orchestra and viola soloist Carla Usberti (first-prize winner in 2025), as well as the concert by the Markneukirchen Wind Orchestra, which, together with clarinettist Holger Heberlein, made for an engaging and entertaining evening.

This unique blend of regionally rooted elements, cherished traditions, enchanting springtime scenery and world-class musical performances characterised the days of the competition and once again created a unique atmosphere that delighted the jury members, pianists and participants alike.

From among them, the jury selected the prize-winners after three demanding rounds. In the horn category, Antoine Jeannot from France won first prize, worth 7,000 euros, as well as the audience prize – a natural horn by master brass instrument maker Gerhard Wolfram. Second prize went to Brendan Connellan from the UK, whilst third place was awarded to Jan Vobořil from the Czech Republic. At 20 years of age, he was the youngest finalist in the 2026 competition.

Outstanding international performances were also recognised in the tuba category. Diego Stine from the US came out on top in the final and won first prize. Second place went to Igor Martínez from Spain, who had already made a name for himself by winning third prize in 2022 and, at 31, was one of the oldest competitors. Third prize in this year’s tuba competition went to Byoungho Kang from South Korea.