The Rostock University of Music and Drama is inviting young musicians aged between 15 and 30 to participate in the International Competition for the Interpretation of Ostracised Music for the first time in 2026. The competition will take place from 9 to 12 April in the university's Chamber Music Hall. The festive closing event and prize-giving ceremony will take place on 12 April 2026at hmt Rostock.

The competition is looking for outstanding interpretations that combine technical excellence with artistic expressiveness. The goal is to rediscover works by composers who were persecuted and marginalised during National Socialism and make them accessible to a wide audience.

The competition has a long tradition: founded in 2001 within the framework of the “Ostracised Music Schwerin”project, it took place in the state capital Schwerin until 2022. It is now being organised by hmt Rostock for the first time. There is a special focus on works by ostracised composers, which are an obligatory part of the competition repertoire. Participants will have the opportunity to bring this music back to life through their individual interpretations.

Information and registration
Registration is possible until 16 January 2026 via the hmt website. The registration fee is €50.00.

Jury and prizes
An international jury of renowned professors and artists will select the award winners. In addition to attractive prize money, there will be further opportunities to perform with the project partners.

The artistic director is Volker Ahmels, head of the Centre for Ostracised Music at the Rostock University of Music and Drama.