Berliner Kompositionspreis 2026

The Berlin Composition Prize 2026 (string quartet) is looking for bold voices, fresh sounds, and new musical ideas. We want to hear music that crosses boundaries – stylistically, culturally, emotionally. If you compose because you have to – this is for you.

Berlin invites you. No labels. No limitations. Just your art.

Main prize: 5,000 EUR
world premiere at the SONARLOFT concert at Kühlhaus Berlin

Two development prizes: 1,000 EUR each

You are 35 or younger (cut-off date: February 15, 2026)
You compose – classical, experimental, electroacoustic, jazz, or genre-free
You’ve written a piece for string quartet (violin, violin, viola, cello) that has not been performed or published
You want your music to be professionally premiered in Berlin

An international jury of composers (including our special guest Prof. Konstantia Gourzi, Munich) and musicians will listen, read and discuss openly and attentively.
Your biography is not part of the evaluation. The evaluation wil