Austria’s young musicians impressed with outstanding performances at the national competition prima la musica. 815 participants demonstrated their exceptional musical talent in Vienna from May 29 to June 9, 2025. A celebration of intensive musical exchange draws to a close.
prima la musica is Austria’s largest youth music competition: 815 young musical talents from all over Austria and South Tyrol showcased their musical talent on stage over 12 competition days in Vienna. The winners of the regional competitions competed in 597 competitions from May 29 to June 9, 2025.
This year’s national competition was held at the mdw – University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna, the Music and Arts Private University of the City of Vienna, and in the Vivaldi Hall of the ÖJAB House. A true celebration of music in the 30th anniversary year of MUSIK DER JUGEND is coming to a close, and in addition to the competition, the musical exchange among the young talents was also of particular importance.
Expert juries assessed and evaluated the performances of the state winners, aged between 10 and 21, in the solo and chamber music categories. The solo competition was open to all woodwind, brass, and percussion instruments. Chamber music competitions included string, plucked, and keyboard instruments, vocal ensembles, and ensembles in creative formats. A total of 461 solo entries and 130 chamber music competitions with 348 participants were submitted. Six musicians competed in the national competition as accompaniment with evaluation.
The results of all competition categories are published online at https://musikderjugend.at/prima-la-musica/bundeswettbewerb/ergebnisse.
Of particular note is the competition offering of the university-oriented PLUS groups for age groups 14 and older, which place significantly higher demands on the scope of the repertoire and the quality of performance. 170 pupils and students from all Austrian music colleges, universities, and conservatories, as well as the gifted student programs of the music schools, successfully participated in the national competition prima la musicaPLUS 2025.
National competition once again a virtual experience
The entire national competition was also made available via live stream. This gave a broad audience a glimpse into up to six concert halls and enabled friends, relatives, and music lovers to experience the performances live. In addition to the approximately 5,000 visitors in person, nearly 20,000 viewers were able to experience the national competition virtually.
Overall Balance
mdw Rector Ulrike Sych, Chair of the Federal Advisory Board for MUSIC OF YOUTH and the overall jury of the national competition, can look back on a highly successful prima la musica 2025 national competition: “In 2025, prima la musica once again demonstrated the high level at which our children and young people make music: Thanks to the phenomenal work of music educators in Austria, South Tyrol, and Liechtenstein, we were able to experience outstanding young musicians. I would like to thank all participants, as well as their parents, supporting family members, and teachers, for their fantastic commitment.”
Peter Hofmayer, Federal Director of MUSIK DER JUGEND, also draws a satisfied conclusion: “I was impressed by the enormous passion and enthusiasm with which the young musicians dedicated themselves to this competition. This enthusiasm extends far beyond the competition itself, because the fundamental idea of prima la musica is not the pursuit of the highest possible score; rather, our competitions are about preserving the naturally strong joy of making music and the personal development of the young musicians. Great emotions and the intensive musical exchange among the participants created a brilliant competitive spirit. Many thanks therefore to the host, the City of Vienna, to the mdw and the MUK for the fantastic facilities and the collegial cooperation!”
The Austrian Youth Music Competitions MUSIK DER JUGEND are funded by all Austrian federal states through state contributions and funding from the Federal Ministry for Housing, Arts, Culture, Media and Sport. As the official organizer and host of the national competition prima la musica, the City of Vienna has significantly contributed to and supported the idea of MUSIK DER JUGEND.
Press photos
Fotocredits: MUSIK DER JUGEND / Barbara Halbmayr
Contact for questions:
Federal Office MUSIK DER JUGEND
Federal Directo: Mag. Peter Hofmayer
4021 Linz, Promenade 37, Tel.: +43 732/7720-15659
musikderjugend@ooe.gv.at, www.musikderjugend.at
