Registration Now Open!
For the seventh consecutive year, the Potsdam Sanssouci Music Festival and its circle of friends are opening up applications to the Early Music Competition for young ensembles.
When
The ensembles present themselves to the jury and audience in a series of lunchtime concerts as part of the Potsdam Sanssouci Music Festival on the following dates:
Tuesday, June 16th | Thursday, June 18th | Tuesday, June 23rd | Thursday, June 25thÂ
All concerts begin at 1:00 PM in the Foyer of Nikolaisaal, Potsdam.
These competition concerts are open to the public.
Prize
The winning ensemble will be awarded a concert engagement during the Potsdam Sanssouci Music Festival in June 2027.
Conditions
The competition is open to ensembles of 3 to 6 musicians, ages 20 to 30, who have recently completed university-level music education and have gained initial performance experience as a group.
Each ensemble is invited to design a concert program of one hour length that includes the musical performance, spoken moderation of the program, possible encore and applause. The jury will evaluate the level of ensemble playing, presentation, stylistic confidence, dramaturgy, and program design – particularly regarding the use of the available instruments and the timing and pacing of the works.
The repertoire should reflect the ensemble’s artistic identity and focus on music from the Middle Ages to the early 19th century. Historically informed performance practice, instruments and clear musical choices are expected.
In addition, at least one piece must be included that was composed after 1960 in a clearly contemporary style.
The chosen ensembles will be asked to participate in school and kindergarten concerts during the festival in June 2026, for which a small renumeration is planned.
Jury
Dorothee Oberlinger, artistic director | Anna Maria Pammer, dramaturge | Tilman Muthesius, luthier| Monika Ludwig, board member of the circle of friends of the Potsdam Sanssouci Music Festival.
Application
Please email the following documents to: Eliana Opel, opel@musikfestspiele-potsdam.de
- A short ensemble biography outlining its profile and permanent members
- A video featuring a representative work or movement (or a link to a website with current concert or performance videos)
- If applicable, your preferred concert date from the options listed above
The application deadline is Oktober 15th, 2025.
For questions and more information please contact Daniella Strasfogel:Â strasfogel@musikfestspiele-potsdam.de
