ARD Music Competition: Finale Organ in the Herkulessaal of the Residenz


Date and Time
Location
Price
About this Event
Mood
Venue Type
Organ Art at the Highest Level: The ARD Final in the Herkulessaal Promises Great Excitement
When the doors to the Finale Organ open on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, in the Herkulessaal of the Residenz, competitive pressure meets concert brilliance. The final of the 75th International Music Competition of the ARD brings together the best young organists with the Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra – a concert experience that puts virtuosity, precision, and grand sound architecture in the spotlight.
A Jubilee with Radiance
The ARD Music Competition celebrates its 75th anniversary in 2026 and has been one of the most renowned competitions of its kind since 1952. The return of the organ discipline after a 15-year hiatus adds extra significance to this evening: It’s not just about technique and repertoire, but about a new generation of interpreters who fill the grand concert hall with energy and personality.
The Acoustic Space of the Herkulessaal
The Herkulessaal of the Residenz is regarded as one of Munich's most distinctive concert halls. Its representative acoustics create the framework for a program that features Francis Poulenc's Concerto for Organ, Strings, and Timpani in G minor FP 93, setting captivating contrasts. When organ stops, strings, and percussion meet, a live atmosphere arises between majestic pressure and fine chamber music control.
Program with Competition Tension
In the final, not only musical maturity matters, but also the interplay with the orchestra under the direction of Bar Avni. Additionally, the awarding of the audience prize is at stake. This makes the evening particularly accessible: the jury, orchestra, soloist, and audience collectively create a musical dramaturgy in which every contribution counts.
Live Experience between Precision and Goosebumps
Organ competitions reveal their charm in the direct listening moment. The deep register fullness, controlled orchestration, and the transitions between eruptive passages and lyrical lines make this final a true concert event. Those who want to experience classical music live will find an evening full of excitement, virtuosity, and a festive atmosphere among the audience.
Conclusion: The Finale Organ of the 75th International Music Competition of the ARD combines international top class with the special aura of the Herkulessaal. Anyone wishing to experience great organ art in a competitive context should not miss this date.
Official Channels of the International Music Competition of the ARD:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ard_competition
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ard.competition
- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ARDKlassik
- Spotify: No official profile found
- TikTok: No official profile found










