Once upon a tempo: the history of classical music competitions

Aldo Ciccolini, 1949 Long Thibaud Crespin laureate with piano-maker Andre Gaveau's dog Blanche-Neige

A programme advertising the first Geneva International Competition in 1939

The 1957 laureates of the Concours de Genève, including Martha Argerich and Dominique Merlet

Hedy Schneider and Arnold Eidus, laureates of the Long Thibaud Crespin competition in 1946

The jury members of the Queen Elisabeth Competition and H.M. Queen Elisabeth of Belgium in 1959

Baritone Samuel Hasselhorn, First Prize, 2018 Queen Elisabeth International Music Competition, Voice

Kathleen Winkler 1980 Carl Nielsen International Violin Competition winner and HM Queen Margrethe II

By Laura Volpi, 08 November 2018

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“We gather to highlight the level of connection achieved at the service of music and humanity.”

Frank Kuznik, 1st December

Renowned German violinist talks about the life-changing effects of International Violin Competition of Indianapolis, how it feels more like a violin festival, and how there are no small or big concerts.

Eric Lu wins the 19th Chopin Competition

Bachtrack, 21st October

A 17-person international jury has selected Eric Lu as the first prize winner of the illustrious competition after 15 days of competition.

A city that listens: 11th Kobe International Flute Competition

SangKwon Lee, 22nd September

The prestigious flute competition returned this year, with over 350 applicants from around the world, this competition is a true civic occasion, with music-making embraced by the wider city of Kobe.

A beacon of talent on Portugal’s Riviera: Cascais Opera Competition

Elena Luporini, 12th May

The Cascais Opera Competition successfully concludes its second edition – establishing itself as a springboard for emerging singers from all over the world.

In the hothouse: Dubai’s Classic Violin Olympus Competition

Caitlín Doherty, 9th May

With an unusual format and lucrative prize pot – first prize being €200,000 – the Classic Violin Olympus International Competition poses a unique break to the usual state of affairs in the competition circuit.

Colombia welcomes the world: City of Bogotá Violin Competition

Irene Littfack, 29th April

This year, the Colombian capital presents a new International Violin Competition, the first of its kind in Latin America.

Laura Volpi

Laura Volpi used to be Bachtrack's Commissioning Editor. Having studied singing as part of the choir of Teatro Alla Scala, Milano, in her native Italy, she has a soft spot for Mozart operas and contemporary dance, but also loves all classical music. A published author and magazine writer, in summer you can find her queuing for the Proms or in Hyde Park listening to Vivaldi while feeding carrots to squirrels.

Once upon a tempo: a dip into the history of classical music competitions