The Opus Klassik jury has announced the shortlist for 2026. Among the nominees are singers Lise Davidsen, Dorothee Mields, and Anna Lucia Richter, as well as singers Benjamin Appl, Jakub Józef Orlišski, and André Schuen, the Society for the Promotion of Classical Music announced on Tuesday. The orchestras Concerto Köln and Il Pomo d'Oro, as well as the ensembles Quatuor Ébène and Belcea Quartet, are also in contention for the music prize.

Opus Klassik Trophy

The nominees were selected from 680 submissions, more than ever before in the eight-year history of the Opus Klassik awards. The ceremony will take place on October 10 and 11 in Berlin. Awards will be presented in a total of 30 categories – from established prizes for outstanding recordings to new honors in the live performance sector and for social engagement.

In cooperation with the German Music Council, the Opus Klassik advisory board has, for the first time, awarded a special prize for music teachers. More than 60 applications were received from general education schools, music schools, universities, and independent initiatives. The number exceeded all expectations, it was stated.

"The future of classical music is created in the classroom – supported by dedicated music teachers who inspire young people and pass on their enthusiasm for music," said Dagmar Sikorski, spokesperson for the advisory board of the Society for the Promotion of Classical Music gGmbH. She was particularly pleased with the great response to the call for proposals.

The Opus Klassik music prize has been awarded since 2018 by record labels, publishers, and concert promoters who have joined together to form the Association for the Promotion of Classical Music. In 2025, the association became a limited liability company (GmbH).

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