THE MAHLER COMPETITION 2026

Since 2004, the Bamberg Symphony has hosted The Mahler Competition, an international conducting competition held every three years at Bamberg’s concert hall. True to its artistic focus, the competition’s repertoire always draws on Gustav Mahler’s symphonies and songs, alongside a changing selection of works ranging from the classical tradition to contemporary compositions. Each edition also features a world premiere, honouring the legacy of Mahler, who was himself a conductor.

The competition awards €30,000 for first prize, €20,000 for second prize and €10,000 for third prize, making it the world’s most generously endowed conducting competition. A special prize offers the recipient the opportunity to make a studio recording with the Bamberg Symphony for BR-Klassik.

Past winners include Gustavo Dudamel (2004), Shi-Yeon Sung (2007), Ainārs Rubiķis (2010), Lahav Shani (2013), Kahchun Wong (2016), Finnegan Downie Dear (2020) and Giuseppe Mengoli (2023).

Jakub Hrůša has chaired the competition’s jury since 2020. Marina Mahler, Gustav Mahler’s granddaughter, has served as patron of every edition. The jury traditionally brings together conductors, composers, artistic directors, managers and a representative of the orchestra. On several occasions, composers serving on the jury have also had their own works featured in the competition repertoire. Past jury members include Herbert Blomstedt, Esa-Pekka Salonen, Magnus Lindberg, Mark-Anthony Turnage, Matthias Pintscher, Jiří Bělohlávek, Sir Neville Marriner, Lahav Shani, Thomas Hampson, Barbara Hannigan, Miroslav Srnka, Deborah Borda, Pamela Rosenberg and Marcus Rudolf Axt.

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THE MAHLER COMPETITION...

Save the date: The next Mahler Competition will take place in July 2029!