German Orchestral Association Urges Full Preservation of ARD Music Competition

The German orchestral association Unisono is calling for a debate on the full preservation of the ARD Music Competition, as the ARD plans to cut its funding for the competition by 50 percent starting in 2025. “The ARD Music Competition is one of the most important and largest competitions for young musical talent worldwide,” says managing director Gerald Mertens. “With such a massive cut, maintaining the high level of quality will be impossible.”

This reduction will have serious consequences for the excellence of the classical music landscape. “It will become even more difficult to recognize and promote real talent and to open doors to the world for them,” Mertens adds.

This year's 73rd ARD Music Competition, which has just concluded, attracted well over 700 young musicians from around the globe. For many, participating in the competition is a crucial stepping stone in their careers.

Mertens states, “The 50 percent cut is quite severe. Sacrificing the great reputation of the competition for short-sighted austerity measures does not only affect the music scene. The ARD and the BR are also depriving themselves of an important international stage. That is why I appeal to the BR director and the ARD leadership to seek additional partners to ensure the long-term and high-level success of the ARD Music Competition.”