Two ensembles share first prize at the Göttingen Handel Competition

The 9th edition of the Göttingen Handel Competition has once again highlighted the wonderful vitality of the next generation of early music performers. Following a demanding competition and a winners’ concert, the jury awarded the First Prize, jointly, to Duo Lucescuro (Vienna) and Les Arcanes Baroques (Den Haag). Duo Lucescuro, comprising a viola da gamba and harpsichord, captivated the audience with their refined approach and sensitive interpretation of Baroque works. Their musical rapport and virtuosity also earned them the Audience Prize. Les Arcanes Baroques (Den Haag) impressed the jury with their historical rigour and infectious energy. In addition to the First Prize, they won the ‘Music and Space’ Special Prize, which secures them a performance at the Cologne Philharmonie in September 2026, as well as the Bärenreiter Urtext Prize, shared with the Furore Ensemble (Ukraine/Germany). The Bärenreiter Urtext Prize recognises excellence in the use of original scores. Furthermore, Le Barque Ensemble (Poland) was honoured with an invitation to the Early Music Vancouver 2027 festival. The jury emphasised that these awards illustrate the diversity and richness of the artistic approaches championed by this new generation of musicians, who are passionately reinventing the Baroque repertoire.