Immediately after the August 2011 course, six participants travelled to Munich to take part in the ARD MUSIKWETTBEWERB Competition, which is held every six years. They were:-

1   Simon Hoefele (Germany)
2   Manuel Blanco Gomez-Limon (Spain)
3   Ferenc Mausz (Hungary)
4   Jonathan Mueller (Germany)
5   Toshiyuki Onishi (Japan)
6   Szabolcs Schuett (Hungary)

These players were among the 38 candidates who survived the selection process to perform in the "eighth finals" between 31st August and 2nd September. Simon, Manuel, Ferenc and Jonathan were among the 15 quarter finalists. Ferenc, Jonathan and Manuel were 3 of the 6 semifinalists.

HEARTY CONGRATUALATIONS to Manuel who won the final on 10th September and also to Ferenc who won third prize AND the Audience Prize. In addition, 17 year-old Simon won the prize as the best player under 21 years of age of ALL the competition categories. (Piano, organ, oboe and trumpet). WELL DONE SIMON!

Click here to see a photo gallery of the competitors!