MA Competition

In 2026, the next edi­tion of MA Competition for Harpsichord takes place.
Applications closed. The first round will be streamed online on 15, 16 and 17 May 2026.
Watch the first round?
Stream the first round of the competition here:
Video MA competition
If you have any ques­tions, do not hes­i­tate to con­tact us on 

competition@​mafestival.​be.

About MA Competition

The MA Competition, founded in 1964, has grown into an unrivalled talent pool and a prestigious international music competition. Each year, talented young musicians from around the world get the chance to connect with leading professionals in early music and refine their artistic performance.

Over the past decades, the MA Competition has launched the international careers of renowned musicians such as Christophe Rousset (°1961), Kristian Bezuidenhout (°1979), Dmitry Sinkovsky (°1980), Jean Rondeau (°1991) and Justin Taylor (°1992)

MA Competition is a unique platform for the training and professional integration of young artists. Its mission: discover new talent and spark meaningful artistic encounters. This distinct position is strengthened by its close connection to the MA Festival.

The first round takes place digitally, ahead of the festival. Candidates are introduced to both the jury and the public via an online streaming platform. These online pre-selections in May have become an important moment for participants to present themselves to a wider audience.

The winner receives a cash prize, a series of concert invitations in Belgium and abroad, a place in the next edition of MA Festival, and the opportunity to record a CD with the internationally renowned Ricercar label.

In 2027 the MA Competition will be for Pianoforte.

Jury MA Competition 2026

During MA Competition 2026, the jury will be:

Korneel Bernolet (president)
Jean Rondeau
Béatrice Martin
Richard Egarr
Mitzi Meyerson

Applications

Find the timeline of MA Competition 2026 here.

rules & regulations
Applications open
23.02.2026, 00:01 — 08.03.2026, 23:59
First round
15 — 17.05.2026
Online
Rehearsals semi-final
03.08.2026
in Bruges
Semi-final
04.08.2026
in Bruges
Rehearsals final
05.08.2026
in Bruges
Final
06.08.2026
in Bruges

Hall of fame

Ontdek de winnaars van MA Competition door de jaren heen.
1983 | Harpsichord
Laureates
Christophe Rousset
First prize
Pierre Hantaï
Second prize
Kyoko Soejima
Third prize
Borbala Dobozy
Fifth prize
Members of the jury
Kenneth Gilbert
Christopher Hogwood
Johan Huys
President of the jury
Gustav Leonhardt
Trevor Pinnock
Johann Sonnleitner
Herbert Tachezi
1982 | Positive organ
Laureates
Wolfgang Zerer
Second prize
Geert Bierling
Third prize
John Finney
Third prize
Members of the jury
Robert Anderson
Odile Bailleux
Chris Dubois
Johan Huys
President of the jury
Ton Koopman
Michael Radulescu
Jean-Claude Zehnder
1982 | Organ
Laureates
Wolfgang Zerer
First prize
Guido Mayer
Second prize
Reitze Smits
Second prize
Masaaki Suzuki
Third prize
Gilles Harlé
Fourth prize
Members of the jury
Robert Anderson
Odile Bailleux
Chris Dubois
Johan Huys
President of the jury
Ton Koopman
Michael Radulescu
Jean-Claude Zehnder
1981 | Ensembles
Laureates
Amsterdam Loeki Stardust Quartet
Second prize
Members of the jury
René Clemencic
Christopher Hogwood
Johan Huys
President of the jury
Hans-Martin Linde
Judith Nelson
Jaap Schröder
1981 | Vocal & instrumental soloists
Laureates
Takashi Ogawa
Second prize
Members of the jury
René Clemencic
Christopher Hogwood
Johan Huys
President of the jury
Hans-Martin Linde
Judith Nelson
Jaap Schröder

Partners

MA Festival Brugge can count on the sup­port of these artis­tic part­ners for the organ­i­sa­tion of MA Competition:

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