On Johann Sebastian Bach’s birthday, the city of Leipzig celebrated both his legacy and his enduring influence on new generations of musicians. The final round of the 2025 International Bach Competition took place on 21 March in the Great Hall of the Gewandhaus, culminating in the announcement of this year’s winners.
From a strong field of young pianists, Jan Čmejla (Czech Republic) was awarded First Prize, followed by Marek Kozák (Czech Republic) with Second Prize, and Mariamna Sherling (Russia) with Third Prize. Čmejla also received the Audience Award, confirming his connection with both the jury and the public.
The three finalists performed with the MDR Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Enrico Delamboye, in a programme that paired Bach’s Chromatic Fantasy and Fugue in D minor, BWV 903 with Romantic concertos by Schumann, Mendelssohn, and Grieg. The concert was streamed live and will remain available on demand.
In addition to cash prizes, the competition offers performance opportunities across Europe, including concerts at the Gewandhaus and during future editions of Bachfest Leipzig. The first prize also includes a professional CD production with Genuin Classics and a custom-designed stage outfit by Wagler Leipzig.
Held every two years and rotating between voice, violin/baroque violin, and piano, the Bach Competition is one of the most prestigious events for young classical musicians. It is organised by the Bach Archive Leipzig, in the very city where the composer lived and worked for nearly three decades.
Full results
🥇 Jan Čmejla — First Prize & Audience Award
🥈 Marek Kozák — Second Prize
🥉 Mariamna Sherling — Third Prize
📺 Watch the full final round and prize ceremony below:
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