The jury of the 2026 Mahler Competition did not award a first prize. The second prize went to the Polish conductor Jakub Przybycieć, the Bamberg Symphony Orchestra, the organizers of the competition, announced early Saturday morning. The 31-year-old also received the audience prize. Two third prizes were awarded to Sieva Borzak (29, Italy) and Simon Clausse (25, France).

Jakub Przybycien

Przybycie? received the second prize as fitting recognition for an outstanding overall performance, said Jakub Hrča, chief conductor and jury member. "He convinced the jury throughout the entire competition, not only in the final concert, but also through his development, his musicality, his potential, and his work with the orchestra."

By deciding not to award a first prize, the international jury underscored the exceptionally high artistic standards of the conducting competition. Previously, only in 2007 was a first prize not awarded.

The second prize is endowed with 20,000 euros, the two third prizes with 10,000 euros each. An additional prize, a studio production with BR-Klassik and the Bamberg Symphony Orchestra, went to the 27-year-old Briton Oliver Cope.

The eighth edition of the competition featured 24 candidates from 13 countries - 19 men and five women.

Founded in 2004, the Gustav Mahler Conducting Competition is held every three years and is one of the most prestigious international competitions of its kind. In addition to prize money totaling €40,000, the Mahler Competition offers highly talented young artists valuable support for their future careers.

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