Since 1964 the Flanders Festival Bruges organises every year the famous International Competition "Musica Antiqua". They are open to young, highly qualified performers from all over the world, who specialise in the historically informed performance practice. The purpose is not to stress the element of competition but rather to stimulate the highest level of execution. The festival is confronting young performers with their peers, with their masters and with the public. Starting in 2008, MAfestival Bruges offers the winner(s) besides a cheque, a concert as part of the next MAfestival and a number of concerts in close collaboration with important international organisations. The winners of MAfestival 2009: Ensemble Estempes and organist Ben Van Nespen. Information on the 2010 edition of the International Competition "Musica Antiqua" can be found here.