Inge-Murjahn Award for Singing 2026 (Da Ponte Foundation Darmstadt)

The Da Ponte Foundation Darmstadt is announcing the Inge Murjahn Singing Prize 2026 for the second time to support promising young vocal talents and to enable young singers to receive cash prizes as well as concert engagements. Eligible to participate are musicians born after January 1, 1996, who are currently studying at a music university or conservatory or have recently completed their studies. Applicants from the Rhine-Main area will be given preferential consideration. The public competition event will take place on March 14, 2026, at the Thomaskirche Darmstadt, and the application deadline is February 28, 2026. Notification of admission to the competition will be sent by March 7, 2026, at the latest.

Complete application documents are required for participation: curriculum vitae, proof of musical background, references, two different presentation proposals (each a maximum of seven minutes), as well as a singing sample (audio/video). The jury primarily evaluates musical quality, innovation and interpretative ability, as well as suitability to the concept. Four cash prizes will be awarded: 1st prize €3,000, 2nd prize €1,500, 3rd prize €1,000, and Audience Prize €500. In addition to the award, there is the possibility of gaining further performance opportunities through placement in selected concert programs. Interested singers should send their documents punctually to the Da Ponte Foundation office; self-organized instrumental accompaniment (the foundation provides piano) completes the preparation for the competition.