The Cantus Firmus International Violin Competition is expanding with a special category for young Bulgarian participants and additional prizes
The registration for the first edition of the Cantus Firmus International Violin Competition - Sofia, which is realized with the financial support of the National Fund "Culture", the Ministry of Culture and in partnership with the New Bulgarian University, is now coming to an end.
As a special gesture to young Bulgarian musicians, the jury and organizers decided to create a new special category, intended only for Bulgarian violinists under 17 years. They will compete in only one round before the international jury, with a lighter repertoire, tailored to their age. The national round of the competition provides for each competitor to present a virtuoso piece of their choice and a slow movement from the Sonatas or Partitas by J. S. Bach for solo violin. The prize fund is also expanding with additional awards. Young competitors have the chance to win two master violins by luthier Alfred Binner, scholarships for the Summer Music Academy in Vienna, participation in the youth concerts within the framework of the 100th anniversary of the International Varna Summer Festival, as well as participation in a Cantus Firmus concert in 2026. Bulgarian violinists will have the opportunity to meet in advance with the prestigious jury at a special master class on May 8 at the NBU. Deadline for registration in the youth group of the Cantus Firmus Violin Competition is April 25, 2025.
Violinists up to the age of 30 from all over the world can register for participation in the main group of the competition until April 2, 2025. The competition regulations place extremely high demands on young performers. Within just three days, they will have to demonstrate mastery of a diverse repertoire of works in various genres and styles from the classical era to the present day. The competition list includes some of the greatest violin concertos in musical literature. The mandatory pieces for the final round include violin concertos by W. A. Mozart, as well as the piece Canticum for violin and orchestra, created especially for the competition by the established Bulgarian composer Georgi Arnaudov. The final Gala concert will be held with the participation of the Camerata Orphica NBU orchestra, and the event is part of the 25th European Music Festival program.
More information about the regulations and conditions for participation are published on cantusfirmuscompetition.bg.
Registration here: https://www.cantusfirmuscompetition.bg/bg/registration
More information: