Winners announced for the 2026 Oskar Nedbal International Viola Competition

The 2026 edition of the Oskar Nedbal International Viola Competition reached its conclusion on November 1st at the Prague Conservatoire, spotlighting emerging viola talents from around the globe. This event, now in its eighth iteration, gathered four finalists who showcased their skills performing concertos by classical composers Carl Stamitz and Franz Anton Hoffmeister. Their performances were accompanied by the Barocco sempre giovane chamber orchestra, providing a refined backdrop to the competition.

Swiss violist Antoine Thévoz, born in 2005, secured the first prize, a distinction accompanied by a monetary award of CZK50,000 (approximately £1,700) and a finely crafted bow from luthier Luboš Odlas. Thévoz also received a special prize for the best interpretation of a composition by Oskar Nedbal, underscoring his artistic depth and connection to the competition’s namesake.

Following Thévoz, the second prize was awarded to Chinese violist Pengxi Zhu, also born in 2005, who was granted CZK30,000 (£1,000). Junyan Du, another young Chinese violist born in 2008, earned the third prize with CZK20,000 (£700) and additionally captivated the audience enough to receive the audience prize. Each of these winners was presented with high-quality GEWA viola cases and strings, enhancing their professional equipment.

The competition’s final roster was completed by Japanese violist Momoka Okada, born in 2001, who, while not placing in the top three, contributed to a diverse and competitive field. Other notable accolades included the CZK15,000 (£500) prize for the best performance of a work by Bohuslav Martinů, awarded to German violist Hannah Teufel, born in 2001. Furthermore, the Pirastro prize, highlighting exceptional young talent, was bestowed upon South Korean violist Jaeyun Han, born in 2010, who was gifted a Luna shoulder rest.

Antoine Thévoz's educational background enriches his profile; he is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree at the University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna under the tutelage of Thomas Selditz. His previous studies took place in Geneva with Miguel da Silva. Thévoz’s recent competitive achievements include winning the first prize and audience prize at the 2026 Beethoven’s Hradec International Music Competition, as well as securing second prizes at the 2025 International Instrumental Competition Markneukirchen and the 2023 Murten Classics Valiant Forum viola competition. These accolades mark him as a rising presence on the international viola scene.

The jury responsible for evaluating this year’s competition was chaired by Lena Eckels and included respected violists Tim Frederiksen, Kristina Fialová, Jan Pěruška, and Máté Szűcs. Their collective expertise ensured a rigorous and fair assessment of each candidate’s artistry and technical proficiency.

The Oskar Nedbal International Viola Competition continues to affirm its status as a significant platform for young violists seeking international recognition. Held in Prague, a city with a rich musical heritage, the event honors the legacy of composer and violist Oskar Nedbal by promoting excellence in viola performance. The competition’s integration of historical repertoire with contemporary interpretations highlights the evolving nature of classical music performance and encourages emerging artists to engage deeply with their instrument’s heritage.

Details on the specific repertoire choices and individual performance nuances from the finalists remain limited, but the competition’s results emphasize the global reach and high standard of today’s viola prodigies. The recognition and resources provided by the competition promise to support these young musicians as they advance their professional careers.

In summary, the 2026 Oskar Nedbal International Viola Competition not only celebrated outstanding talent but also reinforced the viola’s presence on the international stage. With Antoine Thévoz’s impressive achievements marking a highlight, the event serves as both a tribute to tradition and a beacon for future innovation within the string community.