The Markneukirchen International Instrumental Competition (Germany) is held in a world-renowned center of musical instrument making. Here in the "Musikwinkel" the art of musical instrument making has existed in unique concentration and diversity for 350 years. The uniqueness of the competition lies in the special link between the highest artistic aspirations of the competition participants and craftsmanship. After modest beginnings as a violin competition, it has developed since 1966 into a competition of international importance and was admitted to the "WORLD FEDERATION OF INTERNATIONAL MUSIC COMPETITIONS", GENEVA. The Markneukirchen Music Competition is held annually alternating between string and wind instruments (two instruments each) and serves to promote young instrumentalists.