Young Hungarian-Serbian harpist wins top prize at prestigious Vienna classical music competition

Music

The Classic Pure Vienna Winners’ Concert of all categories was held on 15 May 2026 at the prestigious Bank Austria Salon im Alten Rathaus in Vienna, bringing together outstanding young musicians and composers for an evening dedicated to artistic excellence, cultural exchange, and the future of classical music. The concert highlighted the international scope and the steadily growing reputation of the Classic Pure Vienna platform.

Founded in 2018 and organised by Atrium Verein für Kunst, Kultur, Bildung und Integration, Classic Pure Vienna is dedicated to discovering and supporting emerging artists through performance opportunities, professional recognition, and international visibility. The competition has become an important meeting point for young musicians presenting their artistry on a distinguished European stage.

This year’s Grand Prize winners were Iris Salai, a young Serbian harpist of Hungarian origin, Chen Wei-Chang (Taiwan), Antonello Tosto (Italy), Andrzej Witold Majewski (Poland), Majda Ritschl (Austria), Alice Giardino and Matteo Rubini (Italy).

music iris salai harpist vienna competition music
Iris Salai. Photo: Derya Schuberth

Their achievements reflect the competition’s commitment to artistic excellence across diverse disciplines and national backgrounds.

The award structure offers more than recognition. First Prize winners receive a personalised ceramic award designed by sculptor Caner Güner, professional audio and video recordings of their live performance, an official certificate, and a one-year professional subscription to SCODO by Universal Edition. Second Prize, Third Prize, and honourable mention recipients receive an official certificate and a one-year professional SCODO subscription, while all participants are granted a free one-time upload voucher from SCODO.

music vienna competition music
Photo: Derya Schuberth

As attention now turns to the 2027 edition, Classic Pure Vienna continues to provide young musicians with a valuable international platform in one of the world’s most important musical cities, where tradition, artistry, and opportunity meet.

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