Zurich musician Markus Schönholzer wins Salzburg Stier 2026!

Zurich musician Markus Schönholzer wins Salzburg Stier 2026!

There is reason to be happy in the cabaret scene: Markus Schönholzer, a Zurich musician and composer, was awarded the renowned Salzburger Stier 2026 cabaret prize. The prize, which is very popular as an award for German-speaking small artists, is endowed with 6,000 euros and is awarded annually by the broadcasters SRF, ORF, ARD and RAI Südtirol. Schönholzer is not only a talented singer-songwriter, but also an experienced composer who was previously active primarily behind the scenes and wrote musicals such as “Die Schweizermacher” and “Gotthelf”. With his late entry into the cabaret scene, he brings a breath of fresh air and unconventional humor to the stages.

The jury praised Schönholzer's songs, which are deeply rooted in everyday life and think outside the box with a special mix of humor and seriousness. His topics range from big life questions to everyday concerns, and dealing with his own awkwardness is a hallmark of his program. He is currently touring Switzerland with his program “The Schönholzers”.

Prize winners and awards

In addition to Markus Schönholzer, other talents will also be recognized. Bodo Wartke receives the renowned radio prize for Germany, while the Viennese cabaret artist Sonja Pikart is honored for her “witty and imaginative humor”. Wartke is described as a virtuoso pianist and charming presenter, while Pikart's critical but non-moralizing style is appreciated.

The award ceremony will take place at the end of May 2026 in Meran, South Tyrol, and is an important date for everyone who is interested in German-language cabaret. Schönholzer's success comes at a time that seems perfect for him personally - he is nearing retirement age and values ​​the award as a kind of crowning achievement of his career.

A look at the past

The Salzburger Stier has a long history of honoring German-speaking cabaret artists and has been awarded to many outstanding artists in recent years. The award winners in recent years include Lisa Christ (2025), Dominik Muheim (2024) and Dominic Deville (2023). This list illustrates the wide range of talent that can be found in German-speaking cabaret.

The prize is not only important for the winners, but also promotes exchange and visibility of the cabaret scene throughout the German-speaking region. As the German Cabaret Prize, which has existed since 1972 and covers various disciplines, shows, the area of ​​cabaret is extremely diverse and lively.

Markus Schönholzer, who has captured the hearts of listeners with his touching and non-sentimental songs, is another example of the great potential and creativity in the scene. We can't wait to see how his career develops in the coming years. Because one thing is certain: After his stroke of genius with the Salzburg Bull, eyes are on Schönholzer - and with good reason.

For more information about the award winners and the event, take a look at the detailed reports from SRF and Bluewin. Further background information about the German Cabaret Prize can be found here Wikipedia.