Founded at the University of Music FRANZ LISZT Weimar in 1995, the International LOUIS SPOHR Competition for Young Violinists has proved itself to be an effective instrument in support of exceptional talent. With a focus on up-and-coming talent up to 21 years of age, the competition offers the chance for young musicians to make an early impression on international juries. The competition is divided into three age categories and three elimination rounds; prizes with a total worth of 16,000 Euros are awarded to the best musicians. In addition, there are special prizes and related concert and broadcast opportunities.
The competition owes its name to the work of Louis Spohr (1784-1859): Through his work as concertmaster and conductor in Gotha, Erfurt and Nordhausen, Spohr contributed his own chapter to Thuringian music history. Not only was he one of the most important virtuosi of his era, but he was also a multifaceted teacher and progressive organiser of municipal music activities. Young violinists, through Louis Spohr’s example, are encouraged to discover the possibilities that stem from musical development.
Hochschule für Musik FRANZ LISZT Weimar
The participants should be aged from 9 to 20 and will be divided in 3 age categories.
The competition will take place in three rounds.
Every three years
TBA June 2022
For the online application the following documents are required:
1. The Competition is open to young violinists of all nationalities.
2. Participation is not possible if at least one juror is the candidate’s teacher. Teachers are considered to be regular teachers up to 12 months before the start of the competition.
3. All rounds of the competition are open to the public (concert attire is required). The order of performance for the participants is determined by random selection in the form of a lottery system.
4. All works must be performed from memory and without repeats (except for very short repeats). Sonatas with piano as well as contemporary works may be played from sheet music.
5. After registration, the program can no longer be altered.
6. Official piano accompanists will be available free of charge for the competition. Participants bringing a private accompanist must cover the costs themselves.
7. The decisions of the jury are legally final. The jury reserves the right to stop a performance.
8. Participants must pay for hotel and travel costs themselves. International participants, especially from Eastern Europe, may apply for a subsidy for these costs. No one is automatically entitled to receive a subsidy.
9. The competition will cover accommodation costs for those candidates who have reached the second round (from then onwards), to a maximum of 25 Euros per person per night. This offer does not include accommodation costs for private piano accompanists or travel partners.
10. The prize winners are committed to perform in competition related concerts without pay. Prize winners must also accept their prize in person.
11. The competition may be recorded or transmitted and all recordings are the property of the University of Music FRANZ LISZT Weimar. The participants agree to this and do not have any publication rights.
12. At registration, competitors must agree to the complete regulations and terms of the competition. In cases of doubt, the German text of this invitation is legally binding.
Category I | Category II | Category III | |
1st Prize | € 1.750 | € 2.000 | € 3.500 |
2nd Prize | € 1.250 | € 1.750 | € 2.500 |
3rd Prize | € 1.000 | € 1.250 | € 1.500 |