Since 1952, the ARD International Music Competition has been a stage and springboard for the talents of tomorrow

Sir Simon Rattle calls it the ‘Olympic Games of music’ for good reason. Nowhere else do so many outstanding talents from the classical music scene from all over the world come together to compete at the highest level.

In addition to singing, almost all orchestral instruments are represented in subjects that change annually – a spectrum of classical music that only the ARD Competition offers. With live streams on ARD Klassik, concert opportunities with the Bavarian Radio ensembles, the prize winners’ festival throughout Germany and special prizes, the competition offers a unique presence and opportunity for classical musicians.

For numerous music personalities who are now world-famous, the ARD Music Competition was the decisive springboard – including Jessye Norman, Christoph Eschenbach, Mitsuko Uchida, Natalia Gutman, Thomas Quasthoff, Christian Tetzlaff and the Quatuor Ebène.

Follow the journey of excellent participants every September – on site and digitally!