The International Competition for the Interpretation of Ostracised Music will take place for the first time in 2026 at the Rostock University of Music and Drama. A record 64 applications with 99 participants have been received in total. They come from participants from England, Switzerland, China, Japan, Italy, Greece, Denmark, Belgium and Germany, among others. As soloists, duos and ensembles, the candidates will compete for the first three main prizes worth a total of €8,000 and attractive special prizes.

There will be two rounds of competition in six categories, which will be held publicly in the Chamber Music Hall and Chapter Hall from 9 to 11 April. The international jury, which includes members from the Netherlands and Austria, is made up of renowned professors, such as the internationally acclaimed clarinettist Sabine Meyer.

The highlight and conclusion of the competition will be the winners' concert and award ceremony on Sunday, 12 April, at 11 a.m. in the Chamber Music Hall. The special prizes are also expected to be awarded here by representatives of the prize sponsors, including the director of the Schönberg Center Vienna. The special guest of honour will be Ms Joyce Bergmann van Hessen, the niece of composer Dick Kattenburg, who was murdered in Auschwitz.