The Soloist Prize 2026

Enjoy the live broadcast of Sweden’s premier competition for young classical soloists. We hear three accomplished musicians all performing together with the Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra in a concert that moves between focus and force. Shostakovich’s First Violin Concerto and Bach’s serene Violin Largo are set alongside Broström’s pulsating Arena, Massenet’s lyrical Meditation and Paganini’s virtuosic energy, before Tarrodi’s Camelopardalis brings the programme to a close with a contemporary soundscape.

This year’s finalists are Christoffer Breman, percussion, Marcus Bäckerud, violin and Lorenz Karls, violin. They are competing for soloist contracts, tours throughout Sweden and the first prize of 150 000 kronor. The competition is arranged in collaboration with, among others, the Royal Swedish Academy of Music and Sveriges Radio P2.

About the Soloist Prize

The Soloist Prize is organised by the Royal Swedish Academy of Music in collaboration with Swedish Radio, Berwaldhallen, Musik i Syd, the Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra, and with support from the Rosenborg Gehrman Foundation for Swedish Music. Malmö Live Concert Hall and Norrbottensmusiken also contribute to the prize.

The Soloist Prize comprises a total award sum of SEK 250 000, with the winner receiving SEK 150 000 and the two runners-up SEK 50 000 each. The prize also includes a tour arranged by Musik i Syd, as well as the opportunity to perform as a soloist with the Swedish Radio Symphony Orchestra or the Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra in the following season. The winner will also be given a solo concert with the Malmö Symphony Orchestra, a solo tour with the Norrbotten Chamber Orchestra, and another solo tour with Musica Vitae. The prize further includes a series of recordings and broadcasts with Swedish Radio P2.