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 (maximum duration: 10 minutes) for saxophone, marimba, accordion and electronics. Apply by April 30th, 2026.
About
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.
The international artists Michael Krenn, Rupert Struber, Alexander Bauer and Michael Schwarzenbacher will present the award-winning works in a world premiere on July 11, 2026 at the Musikforum Klagenfurt. In addition, the works will be recorded and broadcast by the Austrian national radio station Ö1.
Apply
Instrumentation & requirements
Submitted works must be composed for saxophone, marimba, accordion and electronics. All instruments may be used solo or in any combination.
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. The electronic component must form an integral part of the artistic concept and be organically integrated into the acoustic 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
All materials must be submitted no later than April 30th, 2026 by e-mail to: office@musikforum.at
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.
For more detailed info, go here.