III International
Lied
2026
Competition
Bolko von
Hochberg
Theme
SPIRITUAL & FOLKSONG
INFO
About the Competition
The International Lied Competition "Bolko von Hochberg" is a renowned competition for singers and pianists (duos) in the field of classical art song. Talented musicians have the opportunity to showcase their talents and compete with like-minded musicians from all over the world. The third edition is more than just a competition: it offers all participants a unique platform to present their song repertoire to a panel of experts and receive valuable feedback.
Participants must be 40 years old for singers; there is no age limit for pianists.
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The deadline for registration is February 28, 2026 (11:59 PM GMT).
The Lied competition was conceived as a project of German-Polish and European cooperation and takes place every two years in the European city of Görlitz-Zgorzelec. Both the jury and the partner institutions connect the two neighboring countries Germany and Poland. In 2026 (100 years after the composer's death), the city of Jawor (Poland), the place where Bolko von Hochberg lived, will exceptionally be chosen as the venue for the semifinals and finals. Travel and accommodation to Jawor will be organized for the musicians selected for the semifinals. The first Round takes place in Görlitz (Gerhard-Hauptman-Theater)
The repertoire of the 3rd edition has the theme "Folk Song and Sacred Song."
Jury
2026
Prof. Alexander Schmalcz
Pianist, University of Music and Performing Arts, Leipzig
Germany
Prof. Ewa
Biegas
Soprano, Prof. at the Karol Szymanowski Academy of Music in Katowice
Poland
Prof. Britta Schwarz
Alto/Mezzo-soprano. Professor at the Dresden University of Music
Germany
Victor
Medem
Director of the Franz Schubert Society, professor at the Escuela Superior de Música de Catalunya
Spain, Germany
Dr. Romy
Donath
Soprano, musicologist. Director of the museum of Romanticism in Dresden
Germany
Bartosz
Żurakowski
Coductor. Artistic Director of the "Belle Voci" Foundation and of several festivals.
Poland
Eleni Triada
Müller
Artistic Director and Initiator of the Competition. Chairwoman of Ars Augusta e.V.
Germany, Poland, Greece
Program
Place
Gerhart-Hauptmann-Theater
Görlitz, Germany
May 30th
First Round | First day
May 31th
First Round | Second day
June 1st
First Round | Third day
Place
City Theater of Jawor, Poland
June 2d
Free day
June 3d
Semifinales
June 4th
Finals and Award ceremony
Arrival
Arrival Information
Prizes
1. PRIZE
2. PRIZE
3. PRIZE
Special Prize for the best Lied Accompanist
Special Awards "Audience Award"
"Ars Augusta", "Belle Voci", "Museum der Romantik in Dresden"
6000 €
4000 €
2000 €
1000 €
Liederabende & Tonaufnahmen
Sponsors
Bolko von Hochbger and his places
About the city of Görlitz
Görlitz is a picturesque town on the German-Polish border with an incredibly high density of historical buildings. On of them is Gerhart-Hauptmann-theater, a neoclassical building with its won ensemble and the home of the Neulausitzer Philharmonie.
Jawor (Jauer) is a town in Silesia, known for its famous Church of Peace (a UNESCO World Heritage Site).
Über den Namensgeber
Bolko von Hochberg (1848-1926) is a composer of importance for Görlitz, Germany, and Poland. He was artistic director of the Royal Theater in Berlin and director of the Silesian Music Festival. In 2026, 100 years will pass since his death in Silesia.
