ARD International Music Competition

Since its founding in 1952, the ARD International Music Competition has been a space for excellence and recognition in classical music. It is organized by the ARD public broadcasting network (Arbeitsgemeinschaft der öffentlich-rechtlichen Rundfunkanstalten der Bundesrepublik Deutschland). Held annually in Munich, the competition attracts some of the most promising musicians from around the world.

The competition features a wide range of instruments, which rotate each year, making it an event that welcomes musicians from various specialties.

The ARD Competition is known for its comprehensive approach, offering not only cash prizes but also professional opportunities such as recording contracts, performances with leading orchestras, and a prestigious platform that launches the careers of its participants to new heights.

The Oboe in the ARD Competition

Since its first edition, this competition has revealed great talents among oboists, many of whom have gone on to establish themselves as leading figures on the international stage.

A clear example is the Spanish oboist Ramón Ortega Quero, winner of the ARD Competition in 2007, who later became one of the world’s leading oboe soloists.

Some of the most notable oboe winners in the ARD International Music Competition include:

Heinz Holliger (Switzerland) – Winner in 1959, he is one of the most influential oboists of all time. His career spans a distinguished path as a soloist, conductor, and composer, and he is also a pioneer in the contemporary oboe repertoire.

Maurice Bourgue (France) – Winner in 1967, he has had a remarkable career as a soloist and member of prestigious orchestras. Bourgue is considered one of the great chamber musicians and oboe professors.

François Leleux (France) – Winner in 1991, he is one of the most prominent oboists of his generation. He has enjoyed a successful career as a soloist and conductor, becoming one of the leading figures in contemporary oboe playing.

Alexei Ogrintchouk (Russia) – Winner in 1998, he is currently one of the most sought-after oboe soloists on the international scene. He has performed as a soloist with top orchestras and serves as principal oboe of the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra.

Ramon Ortega Quero (Spain) – Winner in 2007, his career took off after his victory at the ARD, establishing him as one of the most outstanding oboists of his generation. Ortega Quero has served as principal oboe of the Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra.

These winners have left a significant mark on the world of classical music, not only for their success at the ARD but also for their outstanding subsequent careers as soloists, professors, and members of prestigious orchestras.

Ramón Ortega, oboe.

If you’d like to learn more about Ramón Ortega, we had the pleasure of interviewing him at EG-REEDS. You can read the interview here:

Interview with Ramón Ortega, principal oboe of BRSO.

Frequently Asked Questions about the ARD

What is the importance of the oboe in the ARD International Music Competition? The oboe is one of the recurring instruments in the ARD Competition. Many winners have gained international recognition through their participation, including Ramón Ortega, Heinz Holliger, Maurice Bourgue, Alexei Ogrintchouk, and François Leleux.
What kind of repertoire is performed in the oboe category of the ARD Competition? The repertoire varies each year but generally includes technically demanding classical works such as Richard Strauss’s “Oboe Concerto” or Mozart’s Oboe Concerto, along with contemporary pieces that challenge the creativity of the musicians.
What is the typical profile of participants in the oboe category of the ARD Competition?
Participants are usually young performers who have completed advanced studies at conservatories or music academies, with prior competition experience. They have strong technical skills and are ready to face the challenges of a high-level competition.
How can the ARD Competition boost the career of a young oboist? The ARD Competition not only offers cash prizes but also provides significant visibility and opportunities to collaborate with renowned orchestras and figures from the classical music world, giving a substantial boost to the winners’ careers.
What has been the influence of the ARD Competition on the evolution of the oboe repertoire?
The ARD Competition has promoted the performance of contemporary works and encouraged the creation of new compositions for oboe, enriching the instrument’s repertoire over the years.
Who is the most recent oboe winner? As of today, the most recent ARD oboe winner is Leonid Surkov, who won the first prize as well as the commissioned work award at the ARD in 2024.