The application process for the first International Violin Competition City of Bogotá ended on 31 May 2025. Applications for the 20 competing places from October 31st to November 7th for three prizes of 70,000 USD in total came from applicants from the most important schools and conservatories around the world, such as the Tchaikovsky Conservatory, Royal College of Music London, Colburn School, Beijing Central Conservatory of Music, Tokyo University of the Arts, Juilliard School, Manhattan School of Music, Yale School of Music and Rimsky Korsakov State University. Many applicants have already participated in other important competitions such as Queen Elizabeth, Tchaikovsky, Paganini, Sibelius, Tibor Varga, Viktor Tretyakov, Lipinski and Menuhin competitions.
Our international jury has started evaluating applications coming from Austria, China, Italy, Japan, Romania, Russia, South Korea, Spain, Italy, Japan, Romania, Russia, United States and Latin American countries, including 12 applications from Colombia. The names of the selected contestants will be announced during the first week of July.
This Competition is organised by the District's Administration of Bogotá, in collaboration with the Secretary of Cultural Affairs, Recreation and Sports, the Philharmonic Orchestra of Bogotá (OFB), Teatro Mayor Julio Mario Santo Domingo, the National Association of Symphonic Music and Universidad Jorge Tadeo Lozano.
- 31 May 2025, at 5:00 pm Colombia time (GMT-5): Registration Deadline. Applications will be accepted through the official website;
- June 2025: Participant selection;
- First week of July 2025: Announcement of selected participants and commissioned piece distribution;
- 31 October - 2 November: 1st Round;
- 4 - 5 November: 2nd Round;
- 7 November: Final Round
Cash Prizes:
First Prize: USD 30,000.
Second Prize: USD 20,000.
Special Prize for the Commissioned Work Performance: USD 20,000.
Performance Opportunities for the Winner: Contracts for performances at venues in Bogotá and others to be confirmed.
| Sections | Violín |
| Deadline | 04 dic 2024 - 31 may 2025 |
| Finals | 07 nov 2025 |
| Where | Bogotá, Colombia |
| Age groups | Up to 30 years old as of 31 May 2025 |
The Jury will be composed of distinguished musicians, educators, and conductors. The complete list will be announced in due course.
The International Violin Competition City of Bogotá will cover all travel expenses for the 20 participants invited to participate in the Semifinals and Finals of the competition from 31 October to 7 November 2025.
The Bogotá International Violin Competition 2025 seeks to promote excellence in violin performance, positioning Bogotá as a leading classical music hub in Latin America. Inspired by the city’s robust symphonic music environment, this event aims to serve as a source of inspiration for national and international violinists. Additionally, the competition aspires to inspire over 30,000 children and youth beneficiaries of the “Vamos a la Filarmónica” programs in Bogotá, fostering a passion for classical music and elevating the level of musical competition and appreciation in the city.
Age: Participants must be up to 30 years old as of may 31 2025
Nationality: Open to participants of all nationalities.
Performance Level: Professional experience is required, especially in solo and orchestral performance.
- Preliminary Round: Each participant must submit a video with two selected pieces from the indicated repertoire. A maximum of two cuts is allowed, one per piece. The participant will also present their selected repertoire, which will be part of the preliminary evaluation.
- Announcement of Selected Contestants: Up to 20 participants will be selected to participate in the Semifinals and Finals in Bogotá. The selected contestants will travel all expenses paid to Bogotá to attend the competition starting 31 October to 7 November.
- Semifinals: Live performances before the jury in Bogotá.
First Round: Preliminary (20 performers).
Second Round: Semifinal (up to 10 performers). At the end of the second round, the 5 finalists will be announced. Final Round: 5 shortlisted participants: 2 with special mention, 3 in competition.
Mandatory Pieces: The repertoire will include specific works that all participants must perform. These pieces will be detailed in a specific list with recommended durations.
Commissioned Work: To be announced in June 2025 and exclusively provided to finalists.
Free Choice: Each participant may select works to showcase their virtuosity, provided they are within the repertoire. This repertoire will be presented with the video application and will be an integral part of the selection process.
Important: Participants must perform all pieces for the competition from memory, including the audition video. Platforms will not be allowed on stage.
Exception: the use of sheet music is permitted for the following:
- Literal c) of the First Round (Pampeana by Alberto Ginastera);
- Literal c) of the Second Round (Sonata No. 2 by Sergei Prokofiev);
- Literal d) of the Second Round (the commissioned work specially created for the competition).
