Big musical event: 4,000 talents at the orchestra competition in Hesse!

Big musical event: 4,000 talents at the orchestra competition in Hesse!

In less than a week the time has come! From June 14 to 18, 2025, the cities of Wiesbaden, Mainz and Ingelheim transformed into a paradise for music lovers. The German orchestra competition (Dow) goes into the next round and promises a spectacular meeting of around 100 amateur orchestras from all over Germany. A total of more than 4,000 musicians are expected to present themselves in 17 competition categories, including youth accordion orchestras, big bands and classic symphony orchestras. According to the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung is one of the most important events of this kind in the country.

The Dow takes place every four years and offers amateur orchestras the opportunity to show their skills and to compete. Preparations have been going on for months: The nomineed orchestras were informed on December 12, 2024, their registration period ended on January 16, 2025. From March 18, the orchestras had to submit their repertoire and the associated grades. Now all preparations have been completed and the last lists of names have been handed over to this day.

a festival of music

Visitors can look forward to a varied program. The competition is free and the event locations are accessible to everyone who wants to take the unique opportunity to experience music at its finest. You can enjoy the performances in the numerous competition rounds that take place in the morning and afternoon. It will also be exciting in the evening - the award -winning concerts on June 16 in the Rheingoldhalle Mainz and on June 18 at Kurhaus Wiesbaden will set impressive musical accents.

The fact that the total price amount of around 60,000 euros is awarded is particularly exciting, which certainly also has some surprises. On the official website there are already some information about the nominees and for the process. The juries that evaluate the orchestra's services are expected to be announced in May 2025, and it is to be hoped that they have a good hand for the most talented groups.

The event in context

The German orchestra competition is not only an important event, but also an important support measure for amateur music in Germany. The German Music Council is responsible for the organization and implementation of this event. From the first edition in 1986, at that time as a "German lay orchestra competition" in Würzburg, the Dow developed into a central platform for amateur orchestra in many genres. The aim is to increase the quality standard and to celebrate the variety of orchestral music.

The event not only promotes the encounter of orchestral music with the general public, but also the further development of the participating groups. It will be interesting to see what this year's participants offer and who can take the prices home with them. In this respect: if you have music in your blood or just want to enjoy the wonderful atmosphere, you should not miss the Dow 2025!