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.
1993 | Vocal & instrumental soloists
Laureates
Kate Clark (traverso)
First prize
Elisabeth Scholl (soprano)
Second prize
Michael Form (recorder)
Third prize
Hélène Schmitt (baroque violin)
Third prize
Chinastsu Kijima (soprano)
Fourth prize
Anne Vanlancker
Fourth prize
Members of the jury
René Clemencic
Enrico Gatti
Johan Huys
President of the jury
Barthold Kuijken
Judith Nelson
Toyohiko Satoh
Paul Van Nevel
1992 | Pianoforte
Laureates
Andrij Ktasevich
Second prize
Henrike Seitz
Second prize
Natalja Solotych
Third prize
Carole Cerasi
Fourth prize
Natalja Solotych
Audience Award
Members of the jury
Jesper Christensen
Stanley Hoogland
Johan Huys
President of the jury
Françoise Lengellé
Gustav Leonhardt
Gordon Murray
Johann Sonnleitner
Glen Wilson
1992 | Harpsichord
Laureates
Blandine Rannou
Second prize
Yves Rechsteiner
Fourth prize
Blandine Rannou
Radio 3
Members of the jury
Jesper Christensen
Stanley Hoogland
Johan Huys
President of the jury
Françoise Lengellé
Gustav Leonhardt
Gordon Murray
Johann Sonnleitner
Glen Wilson
1991 | Organ Bach-Mozart-Salieri
Laureates
Bernhard Klapprott
First prize
Luca Antoniotti
Second prize
Junko Ito
Second prize
Junko Wada
Fourth prize
Luca Antoniotti
Audience Award
Junko Ito
Audience Award
Members of the jury
James David Christie
Xavier Darasse
Johan Huys
President of the jury
Leo Krämer
Michael Radulescu
Luigi Ferdinando Tagliavini
1990 | Ensembles
Laureates
Ensemble La Fenice
First prize
Vier op 'n rij
First prize
Ensemble La Folia
Second prize
Members of the jury
Robert Barto
Johan Huys
President of the jury
Gustav Leonhardt
Hans-Martin Linde
Barbara Schlick
August Wenzinger

Partners

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

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