For seventeen days every four years, Indianapolis is the most important place to be if you are a rising violin talent. Forty of the world’s brightest talents come here to perform some of the most beautiful music ever written before enthusiastic audiences. The repertory of the IVCI establishes an especially broad survey of the violin at performances throughout the city including the Eugene and Marilyn Glick Indiana History Center, Schrott Center for the Arts and Hilbert Circle Theatre, where finalists perform with the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra. “Violin fever” describes this “truly remarkable violin experience,” according to the London-based magazine The Strad.
Musicians and music lovers from all parts of the world focus their attention on Indianapolis and the International Violin Competition, regarded as the Western Hemisphere’s “Olympics of the Violin.” The Competition is a unique showcase for the world’s most gifted young violinists and a demonstration of Hoosier hospitality and American volunteerism.
Each Competition generates significant national and international media coverage for the artists and the city. The financial support of individuals, corporations, foundations and local government and the physical support of hundreds of volunteers make this event possible. The influence of the Competition continues through the performances of its winners for years afterward in cities of the world far from Indianapolis. Those who win uphold the tradition of quality and excellence which has made the International Violin Competition of Indianapolis one of the most prestigious music competitions in the world.
1 October 2025 - Applicants may submit applications, with the submission of videos uploaded between 1 January 1 – 28 February 2026.
1 May 2026 - Participants are notified if they are invited to participate in the competition.
17 September 2026 - Opening Ceremonies take place.
19 - 22 September 2026 - Preliminary round
25 - 28 September 2026 - Semi-Finals
30 September – 1 October 2026 - Classical Finals with the East Coast Chamber Orchestra
2 - 3 October 2026 - Finals with the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra
4 October 2026 - Gala Awards Ceremony and Reception
| Sections | Violin |
| Deadline | 01 Oct 2025 - 28 Feb 2026 |
| Finals | 30 Sep - 03 Oct 2026 |
| Where | Indianapolis, United States |
| Age groups | Born between October 4, 1996 and September 17, 2010 |
Gold Medalist
$75,000 US cash prize;
Carnegie Hall recital debut;
CD recording contract;
Website development and maintenance for four years;
Career management and international concert engagements for four years.
Silver Medalist
$30,000 US cash prize;
Career management and international concert engagements for four years.
Bronze Medalist
$15,000 US cash prize;
Career management and international concert engagements for four years.
Fourth Place Laureate - $10,000 US cash prize
Fifth Place Laureate - $8,000 US cash prize
Sixth Place Laureate - $6,000 US cash prize
The IVCI will bestow many significant prizes following the Competition valued at over $350,000, including the opportunity for a Laureate to have four-year access to a violin from the IVCI collection, including the “ex-Gingold” 1683 Stradivari violin.
IVCI provides host families for all Participants during the entire length of stay. Travel is not provided. Participants living outside the U.S. may request a travel grant if coming abroad solely for the Competition and can demonstrate financial need.
Tickets are available to patrons to attend each and every performance of the competition. All rounds will also be live-streamed and available on demand for free.
