International Jascha Heifetz Competition for Violinists is Accepting Applications

Open to violinists up to the age of 27, the competitions will accept applications until January 1, 2025

Presented by the Center for International Cultural Projects, the VII International Jascha Heifetz Competition for Violinists has opened applications to violinists born on or after February 2, 1998. The competition will run in Lithuania from February 14 - 22, 2025.

The jury will comprise Gidon Kremer (chairperson), Ingrida Armonaitė, Mario Hossen, Rūta Lipinaitytė, Mihaela Martin, George Tudorache, and Pavel Vernikov.

Multiple prizes will be awarded including a first prize of 12000 EUR, second prize of 8000 EUR, third prize of 5000 EUR, and three diplomas of 1000 EUR.

Additionally, the participants will compete for a special prize of 1000 EUR for the best performance of the Algirdas Martinaitis piece "With a Birdsong," a prize of 1000 EUR for the best participant from Lithuania, a scholarship for participation at the 15th Swiss International Music Academy (SIMA) in 2025, and a special prize with established by Bärenreiter Sheet Music Publishing House.

Multiple performance opportunities will be given out as well — with the Liepāja Symphony Orchestra, Poznań Philharmonic, Lithuanian National Philharmonic Society, Kaunas State Philharmonic, Filarmonica de Stat Transilvania, and Paliesius Manor.

The pre-selection round will be held online through video submissions. Candidates may record videos in which they perform these two pieces separately, at different time and in different locations, but each piece must be recorded in its entirety, providing coherency without any editing or cutting, which is strictly prohibited.

The first round of the competition will involve up to 55 participants; no more than 18 musicians will enter the second round, and a maximum of six competitors will qualify for the final.

The first and second rounds will take place at the Lithuanian Academy of Music and Theatre.

Participants in the final round will perform with the Lithuanian National Symphony Orchestra and its principal conductor Modestas Pitrėnas at the Lithuanian National Philharmonic Society.

The application period is open until January 1, 2025. Candidates will be notified of their acceptance by January 13, 2025.

For more information and to apply, click here.