ARD International Music Competition


The ARD International Music Competition is the largest international classical music competition in Germany. It is held once a year in Munich.

History

Since its inception in 1952, the ARD International Music Competition has become one of the most prestigious classical music competitions. It was started by the broadcasting corporations of what was once known as the Federal Republic of Germany. It is run under the backing of the Bayerischer Rundfunk and takes place usually in September. Winning a prize at this ARD International Music Competition has been an enormous aid for internationally famous artists such as Jessye Norman, Sharon Isbin, Francisco Araiza, Natalia Gutman, Christoph Eschenbach, Anna Malikova, Nobuko Imai, Mitsuko Uchida, Thomas Quasthoff, Yuri Bashmet, Christian Tetzlaff, Sharon Kam, Heinz Holliger, Isabelle Moretti, Peter Sadlo, and Maurice André, to name just a few.
The ARD International Music Competition has its roots in an earlier competition. Between 1947 and 1950 the Frankfurter Rundfunk assisted this "Young Soloists Competition". The earliest competition discovered two female vocalists who would soon take their place among the international talented: Christa Ludwig and Erika Köth. Instrumentalists included the flautist Karl-Heinz Zöller and the pianist Robert Alexander Bohnke. This newly founded ARD continued the concept of bringing together talented young musicians from the entire globe.
The first ARD International Music Competition took place in 1952. What makes this competition so unique is that the categories alter from year to year to include solo instruments, as well as voice and chamber ensembles. The importance of including modern music has been very prominent; contemporary composers have regularly been commissioned to write new pieces for this Competition ever since the year 2001. The ARD International Music Competition not only stimulates competition among the many musicians but also serves the musical citizens as a centre where musicians can meet.
Anywhere from 350 to 450 young musicians apply each year to compete. Some 200 candidates coming from 35 to 40 countries make it past the preliminary round. A large percentage of competitors come from countries other than Germany and this provides the highest levels of competition.

Management

Artistic Directors: Oswald Beaujean and Dr. Meret Forster
Managing Director: Elisabeth Kozik
Project Management: Anja Krainz
Public Relations: Ruth Wischmann

ARD International Music Competition laureates

1972

Piano
Voice
Piano
Violin
Horn
Organ
Voice
Voice
Viola
Flute
Piano Duo
String Quartet
Violin
Cello
Saxophone
Percussion
Wind Quintet
Bassoon
Oboe
Piano
Piano Trio
Voice
Voice
Double Bass
Clarinet
Trumpet
Viola
Flute
String Quartet
Harp
Violin
Cello
Horn
Piano Duo
Voice/Opera
Voice/Lied
Piano
Wind Quintet
Oboe
Trombone
Percussion
Piano Trio
Viola
Clarinet
Bassoon
String Quartet
Violin
Double Bass
Voice
Flute
Cello
Horn
Piano Duo
Oboe
Organ
Trumpet
Piano
Voice
Voice
Clarinet
String Quartet
Violin
Viola
Bassoon
Piano Trio
Percussion
Violoncello
Wind Quintet
Piano
Voice
Trombone
Piano Duo
Flute
Harp
Horn
Double Bass
String Quartet
Violin
Piano
Guitar
Oboe