Prepare for your International Violin Competition !

What makes a good and professional violinist ? According to Shlomo Mintz, Jascha Heifetz said it best :

"Be a tough guy, yet an extraordinary diplomat with endless stamina, and have an uncompromising quest for quality and quite a hefty portion of luck."

Watch this video with Jascha Heifetz performing Tchaikovsky Violin Concerto in D Major.

Should we compare numbers with art ?
Is it a good idea to compare numbers with art? So far, music competitions are the only form of artistic evaluation accepted by audiences and the music industry. Therefore, while it may be a compromise, competitions have become a necessity for young and talented artists to gain recognition.

So why not challenge your endless stamina, your uncompromising quest for quality and try your portion of luck ?

Find out your competence !
There are many music competitions out there. Three are presided over by Shlomo Mintz. Check out the competition in Switzerland - International Violin Competition Sion Valais 2011 that took place in August 2011. Watch the 2nd round, finals and Gala Concert online.

Take your chances at the next Buenos Aires International Violin Competition to be held in Argentina in July 2012.

If you need more time :
The next Munetsugu Angel Violin Competition will be held in Japan in March 2013.
This year the Munetsugu Competition encountered an extremely difficult situation due to the tragic and
disastrous earthquake and tsunami. Despite tough circumstances the competition took place and was won by Dami Kim.

1st Prizewinner in the Sion Violin Competition 2009 - Paul Huang :

"I was so fortunate to have the great honor and privilege to work with Maestro Shlomo Mintz for the first time during the 2009 Sion-Valais International Violin Competition. Maestro Mintz is a musician I admired highly, and it was like a dream come true for me to be able to make music with him. I enjoyed it immensely. His musicianship is beyond words. He is truly an inspiration for me both musically and as a human being. Whenever I am on stage with the Maestro, I feel so comfortable, because I know that he will support me and be with me all the way through. Maestro's discipline and generosity are something I will always look up to. I am very grateful for what Maestro Mintz’s help and support over the past years. Thank you Maestro!"

An often requested Concerto in Violin competitions is Sibelius Violin Concerto. Watch Shlomo Mintz and his violinist great colleague Ida Haendel perform the 1st movement :