22.2.-27.2.2027

Introduction

2027 the International Joseph Haydn Chamber Music Competition will see young string quartets and piano trios from all over the world converge on Vienna to compete artistically for the ninth time. The competition, held since 2001, has by now developed into one of the young international chamber music scene’s largest and most important such events.

Alongside its reputation, considerable cash prizes, provided by respected institutions, friends and partners of the mdw – University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna itself, provide the incentive for the best young ensembles to step up and compete with their colleagues.

The focus, of course, is on the competition’s namesake himself: Joseph Haydn, the pioneer of Viennese Classicism and “father“ of chamber music. Playing Haydn’s music skilfully and in a way that does it appropriate justice is one of the biggest challenges for young professional ensembles. But alongside Haydn’s chamber music oeuvre, the competition also places a deliberate and special emphasis on Viennese Classicist chamber music works in general, as well as on works of the Second Viennese School. In each of these categories, importance is accorded to stylistically appropriate musical interpretation and the building of bridges between the two eras in question. A further area of emphasis is the promotion of contemporary classical music. This aspect is served especially by the composing competition held in cooperation with the Department of Music Composition and Electroacoustics, the winning works of which are made part of the competition’s compulsory repertoire.

My special thank to all the long-time and new partners and supporters of the International Joseph Haydn Chamber Music Competition, and especially to our home institution, the mdw – University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna; they all enable us to offer young, up-and-coming ensembles from all over the world a podium in Vienna, the City of Music, and to help jump-start their international careers!

o. Univ.-Prof. Avedis Kouyoumdjian

President of the Jury

Online-application: 01.07.2026 - 01.09.2026