The competition began in 1966 under the direction of Maestro Claude Monteux, then the HVP artistic director/conductor. It was originally started as a way to find string players for the orchestra. The competition has always attracted some of the finest conservatory string players in the world. Many former winners have gone on to illustrious classical music careers.

To watch the competition, click here.

Semi-finals:

Bach Sonata No. 1 in G minor, I. Adagio and IV. Presto

Finals:

Bruch Violin Concerto No. 1 in G minor, Op. 26

Randall Craig Fleischer Prize:

Amazing Grace arr. by Ning Kam