The “top six” cellists in Dublin, aged 12 to 24 (from left to right): Giada Moretti (Italy), Lyam Chenaux (Switzerland and Liechtenstein), Gabriel Guignier (France), Maximilian Kolloros (Austria), Isaac Lottmann (Netherlands), and Charlotte Melkonian (Germany).

Immerse yourself in the thrilling moments of the European finals of the Lions European Music Competition Thomas Kuti in Karlsruhe. The Lions Music Prize has been held in Europe for more than three decades. To this day, it continues to inspire young musicians and audiences alike. At the same time, it promotes international understanding and supports musical talent as they pursue their careers.

On Thursday in Karlsruhe, young pianists from numerous European countries will showcase their talents. The atmosphere throughout the day is special not just for music fans—it’s simply electrifying. And the performers would love to hear your applause.

Friday will feature another highlight of the competition: the “Concert of the Top Six.” The finalists will showcase their talents before a distinguished panel of judges. In addition, a piece of music composed specifically for the Europa Forum will receive its world premiere—the result of a composition competition involving students from the Anton Bruckner Private University in Linz. The audience will also be part of the competition: all Lions in attendance will be able to vote to decide who wins the Audience Award. Every member of the audience will thus be part of the jury.

Based on past experience, it’s a good idea to reserve free tickets for the concert featuring the top six contestants well in advance through the Europa Forum’s registration portal.

For more information about the Lions European Music Competition, please visit our website.

The participants (from left to right): Cian Martin, Shelby’J Robinson, Filippo Tonellotto, Malgorzata Jarszak, Ana-Jarmila Iaremschi, Marieke Varmaat, Annika Wein, Emma Marie Gamperl, and Ceren Dincseven.

The Bert Mason Lions Young Ambassador Award provides a platform for young people from across Europe who demonstrate exceptional dedication to social projects. Participants present projects in areas such as the environment, education, health, inclusion, and social cohesion.

What is impressive is not only the diversity of the topics, but above all the enthusiasm with which these young people present their ideas and take on responsibility. Often, the real winners of the competition are the audience members. The participants’ projects, ideas, and personal stories are unique, inspiring, and contagious.

In Karlsruhe, the competition will also feature a workshop and an information booth. There, successful projects by former participants will be showcased—such as initiatives for public water fountains, joint sports activities for people with and without disabilities, and environmental projects to clean up beaches.

The competition vividly demonstrates how young people are already taking on responsibility and actively shaping the future. At the same time, it encourages us to support these ideas—through dialogue, networking, guidance, or simply by showing our appreciation.

You can learn more about the Bert Mason Lions Young Ambassador Award and the featured projects on our website.

Entdeckt weitere Informationen zum Europa Forum 2026, zum Motto „WATER = LIFE“ und zu den Schwerpunktthemen auf unserer Website.

Join us at the Europa Forum 2026 from
22–25 October 2026 in Karlsruhe and experience young talent, powerful ideas and European encounters up close.

Both competitions demonstrate the wealth of talent, dedication, and sense of responsibility that young people in Europe already possess today. They highlight what Lions aim to promote: cross-border exchange, personal development, and ideas that enrich our society. The Europa Forum 2026 in Karlsruhe provides the perfect setting for this—with music, encounters, inspiring projects, and new perspectives from across Europe.

Warm Lions greetings,

Host Committee
Europa Forum Karlsruhe 2026