The Musikforum Klagenfurt hereby announces the 23rd International Gustav Mahler Composition Prize of the City of Klagenfurt. Composers of any nationality and without age limit are invited to submit compositions (duration max. 10 minutes) for saxophone, marimba, accordion and electronics. The international artists Michael Krenn, Rupert Struber, Alexander Bauer and Michael Schwarzenbacher will present the award winning works in a world premiere on July 11th 2026 at the Musikforum Klagenfurt. In addition, the works will be recorded and broadcasted by the Austrian National Radio Station Ö1. Materials must be submitted no later than April 30th, 2026.
Instrumentation & Requirements
compositions for the following instrumentation
Saxophone, Marimba, Accordion, and Electronics (all instruments may be used solo or in any combination)
The Gustav Mahler Composition Prize has existed since 1995 and—true to the spirit of Musikforum—
is characterized by openness to all musical directions. Experimentation and the exploration of new
boundaries are explicitly encouraged. The integration of improvised elements is also possible.
Electronics
The electronic part may consist of live electronics, fixed media or a combination of both.
Its duration may vary and may also consist only of short electronic sequences.
EssenMal is that the electronic component forms an integral part of the arMsMc concept and is
organically integrated into the acousMc ensemble.
Technical Requirements
- A standard setup (laptop, audio interface, stereo loudspeakers) will be provided by the
organizer. - Any additional or specialized technical requirements must be communicated in advance and
will be reviewed jointly for feasibility. - In the case of fixed media, a stereo audio file (48 kHz, 24 bit, WAV) must be provided.
- For live electronics, a clear signal-flow and stage plan is required.
Notes on Playability
The jury will pay particular attention to works that, despite contemporary playing techniques,
are practicable for the ensemble and realizable within the available rehearsal time.
PRIZES:
- 1st Prize (sponsored by Privatstiftung Kärntner Sparkasse): € 3.000,–
- 2nd Prize (sponsored by the Province of Carinthia): € 1.500,–
- 3rd Prize (sponsored by Musikforum Klagenfurt): € 500,–
Jury - Michael Krenn, Chair (AUT)
- Angélina Castelló (MEX, AUT)
- Sarah Nemtsov (GER)
- Nina Šenk (SLO)
The jury’s decision will be made at the end of May 2026 and is final.
SUBMISSION:
- Compositions must be submitted electronically by e-mail as a PDF score.
- The score must be anonymous; the composer’s name or any identifying references must not appear
- on the score.
- To facilitate the jury’s work, composers are kindly asked—if possible—to also submit an audio
- recording (MIDI realizations are acceptable) in MP3 format.
- The PDF and MP3 files will be forwarded to the jury by Musikforum anonymously, identified only by
- a number.
- In addition, the e-mail must include the completed and signed registration form as well as
- a biography.
- All materials must be submitted no later than April 30th, 2026 by e-mail to: office@musikforum.at
- The composers of the selected works commit to being present at the world premiere (travel
- and accommodation costs up to € 240 will be covered by Musikforum).
- Submitted works must not have been published or publicly performed prior to the submission
- deadline or before the prize-winners’ concert.
- Composers must provide the performance materials (score and if necessary, parts) free of
- charge and in a timely manner.
- Each participant may submit one work only.
Checklist
- PDF score (anonymous) and cover page with title of composition
- MP3 audio realization (optional) with composition’s title as file name
- Filled out and signed registration form (see attachment or website)
- Biography
Contact
Musikforum Klagenfurt
9073 Klagenfurt am Wörthersee, Sitft Viktring Straße 25
office@musikforum.at
www.musikforum.at