International
Culture Award

Music brings cultures together.

The International Culture Award

The International Cultural Award Europe – United Arab Emirates is a major cultural project aimed at strengthening relations between Europe and the United Arab Emirates.

The goal of this cultural Award is to overcome cultural, linguistic, and social differences through the universal language of music and to promote a lasting dialogue among young people from diverse backgrounds.

View the Terms and Conditions
About the International Culture Award
View the Terms and Conditions
About the International Culture Award

The language of music knows no boundaries.

Following the example of internationally recognized cultural and music competitions—in particular the German-Japanese Johann Sebastian Bach Competitions—the International Culture Award Europe–Emirates aims to give young musicians the opportunity to showcase their talents on an international stage while also building cultural bridges between Europe and the Arab world.

Under the patronage of the Initiative Werterhalt & Weitergabe e.V., this project also aims to contribute to international understanding and to promote peaceful and respectful coexistence among cultures.

The focus is not only on musical excellence but also on intergenerational exchange. In particular, the project aims to strengthen dialogue between young people, experienced artists, mentors, and cultural institutions—in line with the agenda of the Initiative Werterhalt & Weitergabe, which has been committed for years to intergenerational justice, the transmission of values, cultural exchange, and social cohesion.

The International Culture Award explicitly aims to use music as a unifying element between nations and thereby make a long-term contribution to peace, understanding, and cultural cooperation.

Musical Genres

Piano, violin, guitar.

Young musicians are invited to participate in the following categories:

  • Piano,
  • violin,
  • and guitar.

The musical focus of the cultural award is on the interpretation of European classical music as well as challenging contemporary compositions. At the same time, the award aims to create space for cultural diversity, individual forms of expression, and innovative musical encounters.

In particular, the interplay of different musical traditions from Europe and the Arab world is intended to foster new creative impulses. In addition to technical perfection, the jury will therefore place particular emphasis on expressiveness, personality, stage presence, and the ability to interpret works from a cultural perspective.

Participants are expected not only to showcase their musical abilities but also to serve as ambassadors for an international cultural dialogue.

Young musicians are invited to participate in the following categories:

  • Piano,
  • violin,
  • and guitar.

The musical focus of the cultural award is on the interpretation of European classical music as well as challenging contemporary compositions. At the same time, the award aims to create space for cultural diversity, individual forms of expression, and innovative musical encounters.

In particular, the interplay of different musical traditions from Europe and the Arab world is intended to foster new creative impulses. In addition to technical perfection, the jury will therefore place particular emphasis on expressiveness, personality, stage presence, and the ability to interpret works from a cultural perspective.

Participants are expected not only to showcase their musical abilities but also to serve as ambassadors for an international cultural dialogue.

Are you ready for a musical exchange?

Competition Schedule

Registration deadline: November 1, 2025

Complete registration using the registration form on the landing page.

Announcement of the winners from the preliminary round on December 1, 2025

The winners will be notified personally as to whether they have advanced to the semifinals.

The winners of the semifinals will be announced on January 1, 2026

The winners will be notified personally as to whether they have made it to the finals.

Terms and Conditions

International Culture Award – Music Brings Cultures Together.

The International Culture Prize Europe–United Arab Emirates is a project aimed at strengthening cultural ties and promoting dialogue among young people from diverse backgrounds through the universal language of music. Under the patronage of the Initiative Werterhalt & Weitergabe e.V., the project focuses not only on musical excellence but also on international understanding and intergenerational dialogue.

Age: Musicians who are between the ages of 18 and 39 at the time of the competition are eligible to participate.
Residence: You must be able to prove that your primary place of residence is in Europe or the United Arab Emirates.
Lineup: Soloists (piano, violin, guitar), small ensembles, or international musical collaborations are eligible.
Status: The invitation is intended for young talents who are ready to embark on an international career and who have already completed professional training or are currently pursuing a relevant degree.

Registration is done through the official online portal. The following must be submitted:

  1. A fully completed registration form.
  2. An artistic résumé (in continuous text) in German or English.
  3. A copy of your passport or ID card to verify your age and address.
  4. A recent, high-resolution portrait photo with permission for publication for press purposes.
  5. A video link (e.g., YouTube/Vimeo) for the preliminary selection. The video must not be older than 12 months and must clearly show the applicant’s face and hands (and, for piano, the keyboard) in an unedited version.

The completed application must be received by 1 November 2025 at the latest via the application form on the landing page. Applications received after this date cannot be considered.
The winners of the preliminary round will be announced on 1 December 2025.
The winners of the semi-finals will be announced on 1 January 2026.
Invitation to the semi-final winners to attend the final on 1 February 2026.
Announcement of the winner: The winner will be officially announced on 22 June 2026.

Focus: The performance of European classical music and challenging contemporary compositions. Innovative collaborations and the fusion of European and Arab traditions are expressly encouraged.
Performance: All works (except sonatas with piano and contemporary pieces) must, as a rule, be performed from memory and without repeats.
Sheet music: It is recommended that you use Urtext editions. You may only perform your own compositions subject to prior consultation and approval.
Programme duration: The minimum playing time in the first round is 20 minutes.

Procedure: The competition takes place in several stages: a digital pre-selection via video, followed by public live rounds (preliminary round, semi-final, final) in Munich, Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
Attendance: Participants must attend in person on the dates drawn. Failure to attend will result in exclusion.
Accompaniment: Official piano accompanists will be provided free of charge for the live rounds. Participants may bring their own accompanists at their own expense.

The jury is made up of internationally renowned figures from the world of music.
In addition to technical perfection, the assessment criteria include, in particular, expressiveness, personality, stage presence and the ability to interpret works from a cross-cultural perspective.
If a jury member’s student is among the participants, that member must not carry out the relevant assessment.
The jury’s decisions are final and binding. No legal recourse is available.

As well as cash prizes, the focus is on career development. This includes arranging concert engagements, performances at the final events and participation in mentoring programmes.
Prize-winners are required to perform at the prize-winners’ concerts without remuneration.

As a general rule, participants are responsible for covering their own travel and accommodation costs for the first round.
From the semi-finals onwards, the organiser may cover the costs of accommodation and meals at selected partner hotels.

By registering, participants agree that the organiser may use all performances, photographs and video recordings for the purposes of documenting and promoting the cultural award (radio, television, social media), without any restrictions as to time or place.
There is no entitlement to additional remuneration.

By submitting their application, applicants accept all the above conditions as binding. No legal recourse is available.

Purpose of the Cultural Award

This year’s award is dedicated to youth, culture, and the future.

The International Culture Award Europe–United Arab Emirates is not merely a music competition, but a platform for understanding, cultural diplomacy, and peaceful exchange between Europe and the United Arab Emirates.

Especially in a time of international tensions and social change, the cultural award is intended to serve as a symbol of peace, mutual respect, cultural openness, and intergenerational dialogue. Music is seen here as a universal language that brings people together

Programs

Music for special moments.

Whether it’s a gala evening, a luxury lounge, a charity concert, a corporate event, or a private gathering—Svitlana Chumak curates musical performances with elegance, experience, and international flair.

Luxury Lounges

Gala Evenings

Charity

Corporate Events

Private Concerts