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 21 and will be divided in 3 age categories.
The competition will take place in three rounds.
Every four years
15 June, 2026
competition
For the online- application the following documents are required:
1. The Competition is open to young violinists of all nationalities. The following dates should be noted for the different age categories:
Category I: born in 2013 and younger
Category II: born between 2012 and 2010
Category III: born between 2009 and 2005
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. 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. The order of works to be performed in each level can be determined by the candidate.
5. After registration, the program can no longer be altered.
6. Official piano accompanists will be available free of charge for the competition. Competitors bringing a private accompanist must cover the costs themselves.
7. The decisions of the jury are legally final.
8. Competitors must pay for hotel and travel costs themselves. 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 competitors 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.
These works may also be performed for the competition.
a) G. Ph. Telemann: a fantasy
or J. S. Bach: one movement with the corresponding Double from the Partita in b minor BWV 1002
or J. S. Bach: two movements from the Partita in d minor BWV 1004 (not the Ciaccona)
or J. S. Bach: two movements from the Partita in E major BWV 1006 (Menuett I and II together are one movement)
b) One capriccio by P. Rode, P. Gaviniés, C. Dancla, R. Kreutzer, J. Dont or H. Wieniawski
c) One work or movement(s) from a work of own choice for solo violin or for violin and piano (max. 10 min.)
a) A movement from a sonata or sonatina by W. A. Mozart, L. v. Beethoven or F. Schubert
b) First or last movement from one of the following violin concertos:
c) A virtuoso work of own choice for solo violin or for violin and piano (max. 10 min, the work from 1c may not be played here)
W. A. Mozart: Violin Concerto No. 3 G major KV 216
(with the Orchestra of the University of Music FRANZ LISZT Weimar)
These works may also be performed for the competition.
a) J. S. Bach: two movements with the Double from the Partita in B minor BWV 1002
or J. S. Bach: Allemanda, Corrente, Sarabanda, Giga from the Partita in D minor BWV 1004
or J. S. Bach: Preludio, Loure, Gavotte en Rondeau from the Partita in E major BWV 1006
b) A capriccio by H. Wieniawski (op. 10 or op. 18) or N. Paganini
c) L. Spohr: Barcarole G major op. 135 No. 1
a) L. v. Beethoven: a sonata (except for No. 7, No. 9, No. 10)
b) One of the following works:
c) One work or movement(s) from a work for solo violin composed after 1950 (max. 10 min.)
M. Bruch: Violin Concerto No. 1 G minor op. 26
(with the Orchestra of the University of Music FRANZ LISZT Weimar)
These works may also be performed for the competition.
a) J. S. Bach: 1st and 2nd movement from one of the solo sonatas BWV 1001, 1003, 1005
b) N. Paganini: a capriccio
c) L. Spohr: Scherzo op. 135 No. 2 or Mazurka op. 135 No. 6
a) W. A. Mozart: one of the sonatas KV 378, 454, 481, 526
b) One of the following works:
c) One work or movement(s) from a work for solo violin composed after 1950 (max. 10 min.)
F. Mendelssohn Bartholdy: Violin Concerto E minor op.64
(with the Orcheor stra of the University of Music FRANZ LISZT Weimar)
1st prize: EUR 1,750
2nd prize: EUR 1,250
3rd prize: EUR 1,000
1st prize: EUR 2,500
2nd prize: EUR 1,750
3rd prize: EUR 1,250
1st prize: EUR 3,500
2nd prize: EUR 2,500
3rd prize: EUR 1,500
Follow-up concerts are planned for the prize winners, both as recitals and with orchestras.
www.hfm-weimar.de/spohr
