Nizhny Novgorod's Young Wind Musicians Shine in International Competition

A record-breaking showcase of youthful brilliance unfolded as 18 orchestras battled for glory. The winners? A homegrown ensemble now poised for university success.

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2026 February 26 . 1:50 AM

1 min read

The image shows a poster advertising a concert in San Francisco, California. It features two people... — The image shows a poster advertising a concert in San Francisco, California. It features two people playing musical instruments, one of them holding a drum and the other playing a flute. The poster also has text written on it, likely providing information about the event.

Nizhny Novgorod's Young Wind Musicians Shine in International Competition

The International Children's Orchestra Competition Under the Sound of Wind Instruments recently took place in Nizhny Novgorod. Over 600 young musicians from Russia and Belarus competed in the event. The combined orchestra of the Nizhny Novgorod region, Marching Orchestra, claimed the top prize.

The competition formed part of the national project Youth and Children, offering winners extra points for university applications in music-related fields.

The event was organised by the Ministry of Education and Science of the Nizhny Novgorod region alongside the regional centre Vega. It followed a two-stage format: a qualifying round and a final live performance held at Schweizaria park.

Eighteen children's wind orchestras reached the final stage. Among them, five received first-degree laureate diplomas, six earned second-degree honours, and five were awarded third-degree diplomas. The winning ensemble, Marching Orchestra, represented the host region.

This competition adds to a growing trend in the region. Over the past five years (2021–2025), around 12 similar international events for children's orchestras have been held across Russia and Belarus. Cities like Moscow, Saint Petersburg, and Minsk have hosted the majority of these gatherings.

The competition provided a platform for young musicians to showcase their skills. Winners may now benefit from advantages when applying to specialised universities. The event also highlights the increasing number of international music contests for children in Russia and Belarus.