Prizes | Evaluation

Prizes 2026

The following prizes will be awarded:

HORN

1st prize: 7,000 €
2nd prize: 5,000 € 
3rd prize: 3,500 € 

TUBA

1st prize: 7,000 €
2nd prize: 5,000 € 
3rd prize: 3,500 € 

In the event that the prize winner is resident abroad and is not subject to taxation in Germany, the income tax regulations according to § 50 a EStG will be observed by IIW Markneukirchen and any tax deductions will be deducted and paid before the prize money is paid out.

The award ceremony will take place on 16 May 2026, 7.00 p.m., in concert at the Musikhalle Markneukirchen.
All prizes are to be received in person.

The 1st prize winners will receive the title: "1st prize winner of the International Instrumental Competition Markneukirchen 2026".
The 2nd and 3rd prize winners are entitled to use the title: "Prize Winner of the International Instrumental Competition Markneukirchen 2026".
The participants of the 3rd selection examination will receive diplomas.
The best piano accompanists may be awarded a diploma upon proposal of the jury.

Special prizes

HORN

1st prizewinner
Concert engagement with the Chursächsische Philharmonie Bad Elster
donated by Chursächsische Veranstaltungs GmbH Bad Elster

all prizewinners
book award „Weltweit“

TUBA

1st prizewinner
Concert engagement with the Chursächsische Philharmonie Bad Elster
donated by Chursächsische Veranstaltungs GmbH Bad Elster

all prizewinners
book award „Weltweit“

Further special prizes and concert engagements may be awarded. The special prizes will be awarded directly by the donors or sponsors. There is no legal claim against the organiser.

Evaluation

The evaluation is done by a jury of distinguished soloists and pedagogues from Germany and abroad.
The jury will make its decisions according to jury rules. No appeal will be considered against the jury’s decision. The judges’ decision shall be final.
Participants are not allowed to be educated or to be advised by judges during the competition.
Following will be evaluated:

  • musical shaping (knowledge of style and authentic performance practice),
  • sound quality and expressiveness,
  • technical skill,
  • artistic personality.

The evaluation is based on criteria expected of young soloists with an appropriate artistic maturity.
After the jury discussions, participants are informed as to which candidates shall proceed to the next round. This will be done by the jury chairman. The announcement takes place in the order of appearances. Candidates’ points and placements are not announced.
The chairman and members of the jury can advise candidates who did not progress to the next round about their performance. Candidates shall be informed about this possibility. During these consultations no information about points is given.
The jury may decide not to award any prizes. The awards of prizes are decided by the jury alone. Prizes can but do not have to be awarded.