Busoni Composition Prize

The Busoni Composition Prize was founded in 1988 by composer and Akademie member Aribert Reimann (1936–2024). It is awarded every two to three years to young composers who are still relatively unknown to the broader public. Through this prize, the Akademie promotes a new generation of composers. Since 1992, an additional prize has been awarded to encourage the work of young composers who have not yet completed their studies.

The Busoni Composition Prize is endowed with 7,000 euros. The Sponsorship Award is endowed with 3,000 euros.

A woman and a man stand on a stage, each holding a bouquet of flowers and a award certificate in their hands, flanked by a woman and two men
Award ceremony 2024: Axel Bauni, pianist, Carola Bauckholt, Director of the Music Section, Maximiliano Alejandro Soto Mayorga, laureate of the Busoni Composition Prize, Lauren Siess, laureate of the Busoni Sponsorship Award and Akademie President Manos Tsangaris (f.l.t.r.)
© mutesouvenir / Kai Bienert

Award recipients are determined by a jury composed of members of the Music Section. The selection is based on recommendations.

Thanks to a generous donation from the estate of the prize’s founder, Aribert Reimann, the prize money was increased in 2026 to 7,000 euros for the Composition Prize and 3,000 euros for the Sponsorship Award. The donation also ensures the continuation of the awards ceremony and concert.

Award Recipients

2026

Njabulo Phungula

Raphaëlle Aoun (Sponsorship Award)

Award Recipients since 1988