The competition was established in 1974. In the beginning the competition was just for piano and just for regular music schools. The string category was added later and pupils from professional development schools can also participate.
The competition is now structured into two categories: for regular music schools (amateur musicians) and for schools for musical professional development (for pupils of the 3 specialist music schools, 5 conservatoires and first years of Music Academies in Lithuania).
The most important significance of the national competition is to develop the overall musical and pedagogical level in the country. This is achieved through intense work together with the students and teachers at meetings after each regional and national round.
The National Open Balis Dvarionas Pianist and String Competition is organized and held by the Organizing Committee, Balis Dvarionas Charity and Support Foundation and the Center for International Cultural Projects.
All young pianists and string players born on or after 2006.06.19 can participate in the competition.
The organizers of the competition may request a document proving the age of the participant.
The participants of the competition are divided into two categories – self-expression education and vocational training:
– the self-expression education category includes students from non-formal education institutions and independently prepared students;
– the vocational training category includes students studying according to the Specialised Education with Music/Arts Education program and students of the Lithuanian Academy of Music and Theatre preparatory courses, as well as students of higher education institutions.
The competition has one round.
The participants should be aged up to 20 years old.
They will be divided in three age groups: up to 12, up to 16 and up to 20
Every two years.
The national round is scheduled for May 17 in Vilnius, at the M. K. Čiurlionis National School of Arts (Kosciuškos 11, Vilnius).
Participants in the Professional Training Category:
Applications for the competition are due by April 10, 2026.
Online application to the National Competition: https://www.artistdb.eu
More information about registration:
Mr. Eugenijus Butvydas,
Tel.:, WhatsUp, Viber +370 685 66018,
Skype: menuturas, Email: info@ipmc.lt
Division of the competition participants into age groups:
A – participants born on June 19, 2014 and later
B – participants born on June 19, 2010 and later
C – participants born on June 19, 2006 and later
The competitors must perform:
I. at least one Baroque or Classical work,
II. at least one work from Romantic Period to Contemporary,
III. B. Dvarionas’ piece (pieces).
Total Program Duration for participants from music schools to study music as amateurs:
A – from 5 to 10 minutes.
B – from 10 to 15 minutes.
C – from 15 to 20 minutes.
Total Program Duration for participants from music schools preparing professional musicians:
A – from 10 to 15 minutes.
B – from 15 to 20 minutes.
C – from 20 to 30 minutes.
Pianists must perform solo piano works only, violinists solo or with piano accompaniment.
All works must be performed by heart.
The winners of the competition will be awarded the LAUREATES’ diplomas.
Successful participants are awarded diplomas.
Special prizes may be awarded:
• for the best performance by Balys Dvarionas;
• for the best performance of contemporary Lithuanian composer
• for the best performance of the Baroque epoch;
• for the best performance of the classicist work;
• for the best performance of a romantic work;
• for the best performance of a contemporary work;
• Other prizes are available.
National Balys Dvarionas Competition for piano and string instruments
