In honor of the wishes of two long-time Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra friends – one a former VPO musician, the other a Viennese businessman – two competitions have been established for Academists that will take place in the second year of their studies. Winners of both prizes record a solo piece composed by Fritz Leitermeyer which is broadcast on national radio and on Austrian national television.

The Fritz Leitermeyer String Competition is named for first violinist Fritz Leitermeyer (1925-2006) who played with the Vienna Philharmonic from 1946 until 1985.

2021 Winner

Hannah Cho, violinist
United States

2023 Winner

Alberto Bonillo Losa, trombone
Spain

The Edmund Horwath Competition was established for musicians playing wind instruments. Mr. Horwath was a ‘chemiegraph’, someone who uses chemistry for painting, illustrating and writing, as well as a Viennese jeweler.

2021 Winner

Andraž Golob, clarinet
Slovenia

2023 Winner

Annette Jakovčić, violincello
United States