65 years of the Telemann-Zentrum in Magdeburg

Founded 65 years ago, the Telemann-Zentrum, an autonomous department of the City of Magdeburg, keeps the spirit of Georg Philipp Telemann (1681–1767) alive by combining research, archives and events. Since its inception, the centre has been committed to promoting and rediscovering the composer’s musical legacy, from the Telemann Festival Days and the International Telemann Competition to the Sonntagsmusik series and the Telemann-Sommerfest.

Originally, the Magdeburg Telemann Festival Days, launched in 1962, were a local event. After 1990, they took on an international dimension, attracting artists from around the world and establishing themselves as a major fixture on Europe’s Baroque festival calendar. The 14th International Telemann Competition, devoted to historical woodwind instruments, will take place in Magdeburg from 13 to 21 March 2027. The call for applications was published on 14 September. Applications have been open since 15 October and will remain so until 3 January 2027.

The City of Magdeburg’s Georg Philipp Telemann Prize has also been awarded annually since 1987, recognising outstanding achievements in the performance, preservation or study of Georg Philipp Telemann’s life and work. The €2,500 prize is presented around the time of Georg Philipp Telemann’s birthday on 14 March.

Application deadline: 3 January 2026
Official website: https://telemann.de/telemann-wettbewerb