Seven young instrumentalists have reached the finals of the 3rd Zoltán Kodály International Music Competition, held in Debrecen from 5-13 July. The prestigious jury, chaired by horn player Marie-Luise Neunecker, awarded the first prize to Sandro Hirsch. The 3rd Zoltán Kodály International Music Competition continued with the final on 12 July. The seven finalists each performed
13 July 2025 (Sunday) 7:00 pm Kölcsey Centre, Debrecen, Great Hall Gala Concert & Award Ceremony Krieger , Tobias (Germany) – trumpet Tobias Krieger – Leon Stekke: Concerto op. 17 Vanyó Karsa (Hungary) – trumpet Roland Szentpáli: Cover Vanyó Karsa (Hungary) – trumpet Oskar Böhme: Trumpet Concerto in F Minor, Op. 18 – I. Allegro
12 July 2025 (Saturday) – 7:00 pm Kölcsey Center, Debrecen, Great Hall ROUND 3 Kodama, Hayato (Japan) – trumpet H. Tomasi: Concerto for Trumpet and Orchestra Krieger , Tobias (Germany) – trumpet H. Tomasi: Concerto for Trumpet and Orchestra Saig, Oded (Israel) – horn J. Pauer: Horn Concerto (1957) Vanyó Karsa (Hungary) – trumpet H.
The Jury has selected the following contestants for the 3rd Round:
The Preselection Jury has selected the following young musicians for the 1st Round:
6 July 2025 (Sunday) 9:30 am, 1:30 pm, 5:00 pm Music School of Debrecen, Simonffy Hall ROUND 1 / SESSION 1 – 9:30 am ROUND 1 / SESSION 2 – 1:30 pm ROUND 1 / SESSION 3 – 5:00 pm Free admission, no registration needed. 7 July 2025 (Monday) 9:30 am, 1:30 pm, 5:00 pm
The Preselection Jury has selected the following young musicians for the 1st Round:
The sheet music of the compulsory piece for the 2nd round Roland Szentpáli: Cover (Editions Bim) is now available. Find out more here:
A number of applicants have indicated that the exam period can make it challenging to record the videos needed for the application in time. In order to ensure that all talented musicians have the opportunity to participate in the competition, we have decided to extend the deadline for applications to 14 February 2025.
The Zoltán Kodály International Music Competition will take place in Debrecen for the third time between 5-13 July 2025, and this time brass players will have the chance to compete. After the strings (2022) and conductors (2023), horn, trumpet and trombone players are invited to apply for the 2025 Kodály Zoltán International Music Competition.