Both musicians were closely associated with the Saxon city, as the former spent a six-year period directing the Court orchestra from 1717 to 1723 and composed some of his most important works for viola da gamba there.

For his part, Karl Friedrich Abel, who was born in Köthen in 1723, was one of the greatest viola da gamba composers and performers of his time. Considering these antecedents Köthen is undoubtedly a good starting point for bringing together some of the instrument’s best young performers in its annual competition.

This year’s jury consists of Siegfried Pank (President), Wieland Kuijken, Marianne Müller, Paolo Pandolfo and Pere Ros. Applications to participate will be accepted until 1 September. The Competition is open to performers born after 1 July 1974, that is, musicians under the age of 32. There are two special prizes of ¤5,000 euros and three prizes of ¤3,500, ¤2,500 and ¤1,000 euros respectively, as well as other minor prizes.

The competition will be divided into various eliminatory rounds in which performers will have to perform various required works. The works specified for round one are by Tobias Hume, Johann Schenck and Abel. Those who reach the second round will perform works by Buxtehude and Marais, as well as two free choices, one contemporary. In the final phase, works by Francois Couperin, Bach and Abel will be performed.