Results announced for the inaugural Kitty Weinberger Music Prize

In October 2026, the Music and Arts University of the City of Vienna (MUK) launched the inaugural Kitty Weinberger Music Prize, a competition designed to spotlight chamber music ensembles with innovative programming. The event took place over two days, on the 20th and 21st, marking a significant new platform for contemporary chamber music interpretation and repertoire diversity.

The competition featured a total prize fund of €15,000, distributed among three distinguished ensembles. Securing the top honor and the largest share of the prize money, €7,500, was Trio Con Brio, an ensemble formed by violinist Eva Maria Wagner, cellist Annamaria Kohlndorfer, and pianist Helir Hernández. Their performance and program concept impressed the jury with its artistic depth and originality.

Following closely, the second prize of €5,000 was awarded to Ensemble Artemisia, recognized for its compelling presentation and interpretative insights. The third prize, valued at €2,500, went to the La Travesia Quintet, rounding out the commendations for excellence in chamber music artistry.

The jury panel was chaired by Hartmut Krones and included Catalina Butcaru, Veronika Hagen, and Julia Lacherstorfer. Livia Sellin participated as a non-voting representative from MUK, ensuring a university perspective in the evaluation process. The jury's mandate emphasized not only technical proficiency but also the creativity embedded in programming choices.

A distinguishing feature of the competition was its encouragement for ensembles to present comprehensive artistic concepts. Participants were required to assemble programmes with self-selected works under original titles, with a stipulation to include at least one piece either composed by a female composer, originating outside the Western classical tradition, or written after 1980. This criterion underscored the prize’s commitment to expanding the chamber music repertoire and promoting inclusivity.

The competition honors Katharina ‘Kitty’ Weinberger (née Bunzl), who passed away in 2024. A lifelong advocate for women’s rights, minority issues, and civil society initiatives, Weinberger’s legacy encompasses her efforts to foster cultural projects, including co-founding the Vienna Chamber Music Festival in 2008 with her husband Peter Weinberger. The prize perpetuates her dedication to social causes through the arts.

Set within Vienna’s rich musical heritage, the Kitty Weinberger Music Prize adds a contemporary chapter to the city’s ongoing support for chamber music innovation. The event not only rewards outstanding performance but also actively encourages ensembles to challenge traditional programming boundaries.

While detailed plans for the competition’s future editions remain forthcoming, this initial iteration establishes a promising framework. By promoting diverse and forward-thinking repertoires alongside high artistic standards, the prize aligns with broader movements in classical music towards inclusivity and creative exploration.

The success of Trio Con Brio and the recognized ensembles highlights the vitality of chamber music today and the importance of new platforms supporting emerging and established musicians alike. As the music community reflects on this new accolade, the Kitty Weinberger Music Prize stands out as a meaningful tribute to artistic excellence and social engagement in the classical music sphere.