Former Meisterklasse student at the University of Music Würzburg, Thomas Fields, was awarded two prizes at the 13th International Telemann Competition in Magdeburg: He won 1st prize in the historical string instruments category as well as the special prize of the Viola da Gamba Society, which comes with a concert invitation to the society's annual festival in Winterthur (Switzerland).

Fields impressed the jury with his playing out of around 30 participants in the viola da gamba and baroque violin categories. By winning 1st prize, he is also the first viola da gamba player ever to be recognized in the solo category of the competition.

Thomas Fields studied viola da gamba in the master class program with Prof. Friederike Heumann at the University of Music Würzburg from 2021 to the winter semester 2024. He previously attracted attention for his participation in the final of the 2023 Bach Abel Competition and as the winner of the 2024/25 Rheinsberg Court Orchestra Competition with his ensemble "False Cosonance".

The International Telemann Competition sees itself not only as a comparison of musical performance, but also aims to give talented young musicians important impetus for their artistic future. The jury is therefore made up of internationally renowned artists and teachers of historical instruments and chamber music - with a deliberately diverse line-up that takes into account different interpretations of early music. In addition to the competition experience, the participants also receive valuable suggestions for performance practice, professional exchange and new contacts in the field of early music.