The city awards the Bachpreis der Landeshauptstadt Wiesbaden to an organist who wins the festival's international competition.

Beginning in 1977, an international competition for organists has been part of the festival, with the winner being awarded the Bachpreis der Landeshauptstadt Wiesbaden.

[6] In 2017, the motto was "Werk und Wirkung" (Work and influence), presenting among others Bach's Sonatas for violin solo and Cello Suites, his cantata Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme, BWV 140, in the series Bachvespern, Beethoven's Missa solemnis sung by the Bachchor Wiesbaden, and Verdi's Requiem and Bach's complete Christmas Oratorio, both sung by the Schiersteiner Kantorei.

Ton Koopman, Tini Mathot and Klaus Mertens appeared with songs and works for keyboard instruments.

[5] Schiersteiner Kantorei sang Bach's Mass in B minor, and the choir of the Bergkirche performed Handel's Messiah.