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.
1980 | Basso continuo
Laureates
Glen Wilson
Second prize
Masaaki Suzuki
Second prize
Members of the jury
Kenneth Gilbert
Robert Kohnen
Gustav Leonhardt
Johann Sonnleitner
Herbert Tachezi
1980 | Harpsichord
Laureates
Glen Wilson
Second prize
Beatrice Berstel
Third prize
Charlotte Mattax
Third prize
Malcolm Proud
Fourth prize
Ketil Haugsand
Fifth prize
Members of the jury
Kenneth Gilbert
Robert Kohnen
Gustav Leonhardt
Scott Ross
Johann Sonnleitner
Herbert Tachezi
1977 | Harpsichord
Laureates
Françoise Lengellé
Third prize
Michel Kiener
Fourth prize
Christopher Kite
Fourth prize
Françoise Lengellé
Audience Award
Members of the jury
Isolde Ahlgrimm
Christiane Jaccottet
Johan Huys
President of the jury
Gustav Leonhardt
Herbert Tachezi
Colin Tilney
Jos van Immerseel
1978 | Ensembles
Laureates
Duo J. Cohan & St. Stubbs
Second prize
Collegium Musicum Budapest
Third prize
Les Enemis Confus
Third prize
Members of the jury
Anner Bijlsma
Barthold Kuijken
Hans-Martin Linde
Colin Tilney
Paul Van Nevel
1979 | Organ
Laureates
James David Christie
First prize
Michael Kapsner
Second prize
Karol Golebiowski
Third prize
Robert Bates
Fourth prize
Wolfgang Glüxam
Fourth prize
James David Christie
Audience Award
Members of the jury
Nicholas Danby
Xavier Darasse
Ton Koopman
Bernard Lagacé
Michael Radulescu
Gabriel Verschraegen

Partners

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

Schrijf je in voor onze nieuwsbrief

Bedankt! Je bent nu ingeschreven.
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

Volg ons online!