Claussen Simon Composition Prize awarded to Veljko Nenadić

Hamburg, 23 September 2025: The Claussen Simon Foundation has awarded the Claussen Simon Composition Prize – worth €15,000 – for the third time, in collaboration with the Elbphilharmonie Hamburg and the NDR Elbphilharmonie Orchestra. This year’s winner is the Serbian composer Veljko Nenadić, born in 1998. His newly commissioned work will receive its premiere in February 2027 as part of the »Elbphilharmonie Visions« festival, with Alan Gilbert conducting in the Grand Hall of Hamburg’s iconic concert hall. From 191 anonymously submitted sketches, a distinguished jury first made a shortlist and then, following a reading session in which the finalists were able to refine their drafts in rehearsal with the NDR Elbphilharmonie Orchestra, the final decision was made. The jury praised Nenadić’s music for being impressively effective, particular and energetic, as well as being full of imagination and admirably unpredictable. Alongside principal conductor Alan Gilbert, the jury included the composers Magnus Lindberg, Johannes Maria Staud, Clara Iannotta, Reinhard Flender and Fredrik Schwenk.

Alan Gilbert, principal conductor of the NDR Elbphilharmonie Orchestra, commented: »Veljko Nenadić stood out among the many talented composers we considered for the Claussen Simon Composition Prize for the honesty and sincerity of his voice. His music is natural, engaging and represents a highly personal take on his musical roots. I am pleased to recognize this worthy composer and hope that the opportunities this prestigious award affords will help inspire him as a composer and musician, and will also introduce his music to wider audiences.«

For Veljko Nenadić, the prize has special significance: »It is awarded by renowned artists and composers and offers a truly unique opportunity for young composers. I see this award not only as a great honour, but also as an important source of encouragement for my artistic path! The chance to collaborate with a world-class orchestra like the NDR Elbphilharmonie Orchestra under the baton of Alan Gilbert is both inspiring and motivating. I am also looking forward to working with the Claussen Simon Foundation, as I’m sure it will broaden my horizons and open new doors for my future work.«

Prof. Dr. Regina Back, Managing Director of the Claussen Simon Foundation, added: »With Veljko Nenadić, the jury has chosen an outstanding representative of the young international composing scene. His music surprises with unexpected twists and turns, moving listeners with its adventurous energy, full of so many lively ideas and details. We eagerly await the new work and look forward to its premiere as part of the Elbphilharmonie Visions festival in 2027.«

Veljko Nenadić (b. 1998) is one of the most awarded and performed Serbian composers of the younger generation. He has won over 50 awards at composition competitions and festivals, including first prize at the Bartók World Composition Competition 2022 in Hungary, the 6th International Ennio Morricone Choral Composition Competition, the Luigi Nono Composition Competition in Italy, and the Jeunesses Musicales International Composer Competition in Belgium. His compositions have been awarded by renowned figures in composition such as Ennio Morricone, John Corigliano, Unsuk Chin and Tristan Murail, and performed by prominent international soloists such as Barnabás Kelemen, Alberto Mesirca, Julia Hartig, Maja Bogdanović and Daniel Rowland. Veljko Nenadić's works have been performed at concerts and music festivals across Europe and broadcast on radio. He studied Composition at the Faculty of Music in Belgrade under the guidance of Isidora Žebeljan. Since 2021, he has been studying organ with Maja Smiljanić-Radić and is presently working as an assistant at the Composition Department of the same faculty. In addition to his composition work, he regularly performs as a pianist, organist and harpsichordist.

The Claussen Simon Composition Prize offers emerging composers the opportunity to premiere a large-scale work in an outstanding musical setting, while also providing artistic and organisational support throughout the composition process. Thanks to the partnership between the three renowned institutions, the prize-winner receives extensive support, valuable experience and active assistance in establishing themselves as a professional composer. A central focus here is on the direct exchange between the conductor, orchestra, concert hall and foundation. The Claussen Simon Composition Prize is being awarded for the third time in 2025. Previous recipients include Swedish composer Lisa Streich (2020) and British composer Alex Paxton (2023).