Innovation Award of the German Orchestra Foundation
Competition to honor innovative developments in the music landscape. Professional orchestras, choirs, and big bands in Germany can apply for the prize endowed with €15,000 from May 15, 2026, to October 31, 2026.
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Grant criteria
Funding objective
To make innovative developments in the music landscape known and appreciated beyond the region by awarding outstanding projects of professional ensembles.
Eligible to apply
- Public Institutions
- Non-profit Organizations
Funding requirements
- Professional orchestra, choir, or big band in Germany
- At least 12 members (chamber orchestra) or 16 members (chamber choir/big band)
- Existing professional management
Evaluation criteria
- Innovative content of the project
- Role model character and transferability
- Strengthening of the professional ensemble in the cultural-political environment
Description
The German Orchestra Foundation honors every two years with the Innovation Prize outstanding approaches that sustainably shape the profile of the German music landscape. With a prize money of €15,000, creative programs and projects of professional ensembles are awarded that explore new paths beyond the concert hall and promote social participation. Between May 15 and October 31, 2026, national orchestras, choirs, and big bands can apply, provided they have at least the size of a chamber orchestra (12 members) or a chamber choir or big band (each 16 members) and possess professional management.
The evaluation focuses primarily on the degree of innovation, transferability to other ensembles, and the strengthening of the ensemble within the cultural-political context. Exemplary formats are awarded that open up new target groups, initiate interdisciplinary collaborations, or advance digital mediation strategies. An independent expert jury first compiles a shortlist and then selects the prizewinner whose concept also has a supraregional impact. The award not only promotes the visibility of the honored projects but also sets impulses for the entire orchestra, choir, and big band scene in Germany and invites cultural-political dialogue.
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