Short History of the Sperger Society and the Sperger Competition by Honorary President Prof. Klaus Trumpf

In 1966, our double bass historian Alfred Planyavsky asked me for support with his "History of the Double Bass" about Johann Matthias Sperger. When I held Sperger's manuscripts in my hands at the State Library in Schwerin, I was breathless—I had discovered a treasure! Almost 400 scores, including 45 symphonies, about 30 instrumental concertos, cantatas, countless chamber music pieces in various arrangements, etc., needed to be reviewed. Among them were 40 works for solo double bass, 18 concertos, 4 sonatas, and more.

In 1971, the flute quartet was published as the first Sperger edition by Hofmeister Verlag.

The idea of a Sperger competition was enthusiastically embraced, especially by Miloslav Gajdos and some other interested double bassists, leading to the first "International Johann Matthias Sperger Competition" in 2000. The well-known conductor Zubin Mehta, a former double bassist, became the patron. The jury included prominent figures from the double bass world, such as Alfred Planyavsky and David Walter. Almost 100 applicants registered for the first competition! Roman Patkoló won the first prize at the age of 18.

Further competitions followed every two years—among others, at the Michaelstein Monastery in Ludwigslust—Sperger's place of work—then at Schloss Namedy in Andernach, and in 2022 at the University of Music in Rostock. After three competitions, the patrons changed: Between 2008 and 2018, Anne-Sophie Mutter and Nikolaus Harnoncourt took over, followed by Thomas Hengelbrock. Christian Thielemann will assume the patronage in 2026.

The Sperger competition was included among the major competitions in Geneva in 2012 and quickly established itself as one of the most significant double bass competitions. Prize winners from all competitions are now solo double bassists in leading orchestras or working as professors. The history of the Sperger competition is a success story!

But—who is behind it, who organizes and finances these elaborate competitions? In the same year as the first competition (2000), the "International Johann Matthias Sperger Society e.V." was founded, again with dedicated colleagues. This elected board deserves thanks for the entire organization and procurement of the necessary funds for the competitions.

Now, the members of the Sperger Society come into play, as their contributions lay the foundation that, with the help of many important sponsors, provides the necessary support: double bass makers, bow makers, string manufacturers, publishers, and many representatives of the music industry are the main sponsors—unfortunately, fewer official state institutions. Therefore, we would like to express our great gratitude to the music industry once again!

In June 2023, a new board was formed through re-election, aiming to successfully continue the tradition of the society and the competition. The board members are Prof. Petru Iuga (Professor in Mannheim and Lausanne) as President, Prof. Dr. Goran Kostic (solo double bassist of the Vienna Radio Symphony Orchestra) as Vice President, Jörg Potratz (Potsdam, as in the years 2008–2018) as Secretary, and Prof. Klaus Trumpf as ‚Interim‘ Treasurer.

The next competition will be organized by this board and will take place from May 31 to June 7, 2026, in Berlin-Grunewald under the patronage of Maestro Christian Thielemann. We look forward to seeing you all there!

Best regards,

Prof. Klaus Trumpf