The ‘Ostracised Music’ performance competition has impressively demonstrated just how vibrant and relevant the exploration of banned music is today. It took place for the first time at the Rostock University of Music and Drama from 9 to 12 April 2026 and made a strong artistic statement. The participants’ outstanding achievements were celebrated during an exciting winners’ concert. 

For Volker Ahmels, Director of the Centre for Ostracised Music, the competition was a magnificent event at the hmt Rostock: “The exceptionally high standard and the great enthusiasm of all those involved greatly impressed the jury, chaired by Prof. Karola Theill.” The huge public interest also underscored the success of the weekend, as the chamber music hall was filled to capacity. The participants’ great commitment and artistic diversity provided some deeply moving moments. 

First prize went to the Munich duo Zihao Wang (saxophone) and Xintian Zhu (piano). The second prize was awarded to Mikhail Krasnenker (piano) from the Cologne University of Music and Dance. The third prize was shared and went to Eunseo Ryu (double bass), a student in Professor Andreas Ehelebe’s class at hmt Rostock, and to the duo Sarah Yang (violin, Freiburg) and Joseph Howson (piano, Cologne). In addition, numerous other special prizes were awarded, including several honours for participating students from the Rostock University of Music and Drama. The next edition of the competition is scheduled for September 2028.