Leipzig - Bach Competition Leipzig

The Bach Competition Leipzig is held every year in a different discipline.

The first Bach Competition took place in 1950. None other than Dmitri Shostakovich sat on the jury at the time, Tatjana Nikolajewa won, and Shostakovich subsequently composed and dedicated his 24 Preludes and Fugues, Op. 87 to her – what a start to a success story that has now lasted 75 years and and produced such renowned prize winners as Rosemarie Lang, Antje Weithaas, Michael Sanderling, Simone Kermes and Martin Stadtfeld.


Until today, the competition jury is composed of internationally renowned artists and outstanding personalities from the classical music scene. Since 2025 and under the artistic direction of Michael Maul, Artistic Director of the Leipzig Bachfest, the competition focuses on one discipline each year. Starting the new format with the piano, the following years will initially feature violin (2026), voice (2027), and historical keyboard instruments (2028). The final always takes place on March 21, the birthday of its namesake Johann Sebastian Bach.


The responsibility of a competition also lies in accompanying and supporting the prize winners on their further career path. In keeping with this commitment the winner of the Bach Competition will have the opportunity to perform his or her own choice of pieces in a grand recital at the Leipzig Bachfest, which is undoubtedly one of the largest and most attractive Bach stages in the world.


Awards (since 2025):


1st Prize: 20.000 €

2nd Prize: 10.000 €

3rd Prize: 5.000 €



The 1st prize is donated by Sparkasse Leipzig, main sponsor of the Bach Competition.

The prizewinners are entitled to use the title »Bach-Preisträger«.