Double victory for Karlsruhe trumpet class at the ARD competition!

Double victory for Karlsruhe trumpet class at the ARD competition!

The Karlsruhe University of Music has joined ARD music competition impressively presented in Munich. With two winners from Professor Reinhold Friedrich's trumpet class, the institution was able to further consolidate its international reputation. The competition, which took place from September 1st to 19th, 2025, is one of the most important events for classical music and attracts musicians from all over the world. This year, over 600 applications were received from 51 nations, of which 169 participants were invited to the live round. What strong competition!

In the trumpet category, Robin Paillet not only won first prize, but also won the audience award for his outstanding performance. The talented Frenchman had previously studied at the Conservatoire National Supérieur de Musique de Paris. In 2023, Paillet continued his training as an exchange student with Professor Friedrich in Karlsruhe. Sandro Hirsch, who received second prize, completed a bachelor's degree at Friedrich and, born in 1997, will soon be completing his master's degree. He also already has considerable experience, as a former solo trumpet player with the Bamberg Symphony Orchestra.

Achievements and lobbies

The performance of the two trumpeters is not only a great personal success, but also raises the high quality of training at the Karlsruhe University of Music out. Robin Paillet and Sandro Hirsch have made an important contribution to the reputation of their alma mater, which always brings a breath of fresh air to the classical music scene. Paillet will enjoy a special fate: from the beginning of 2024 he will work as solo trumpeter of the Beethoven Orchestra Bonn.

The ARD music competition, founded in 1952, has brought fame and honor to many music greats in the past. Among the former award winners are such important names as Mitsuko Uchida and Thomas Quasthoff. This year, the members of the jury, including Professor Reinhold Friedrich, impressed with their expertise and passion for music.

A quick look at the award winners

The results of the competition for the trumpet category show the exquisite quality of the participants:

• Erster Preis (15.000 €): Robin Paillet
• Zweiter Preis (10.000 €): Sandro Hirsch
• Dritter Preis (5.000 €): Raphaël Horrach

In addition, Robin Paillet received a special prize of €1,000 for the best interpretation of a commissioned work – another sign of his artistic talent. The fact that Professor Friedrich's trumpet class is so brilliant shows how well the training prepares you for the challenges of an international stage. The work here is done with dedication and skill, which the two winners demonstrated very impressively.

The Karlsruhe University of Music can be proud of its talented musicians, who are paving the way for many more successes.