c. 1600 – 1750
Baroque
Polyphony and the art of the solo violin. In this competition: the solo Sonatas and Partitas of J.S. Bach.
J.S. Bach
New Tang Dynasty Television presents
2027 NTD International Violin Competition
Promoting traditional arts of pure authenticity, pure goodness and pure beauty, and reviving the violin masterpieces of the Baroque, Classical, and Romantic eras.
BaroqueClassicalRomantic
Early Bird deadline
March 16, 2027
Apply by March 16, 2027 · US$100
Competition
Sept 16–26, 2027
Details to be announced
Eligibility
Ages 16–28
Born Sept 17, 1998 – Sept 16, 2011
Prizes
US$22,000
Gold, Silver, Bronze + Best Rendition
01 · Mission
A tribute to the golden age of the violin
The NTD International Violin Competition is one of a series of international cultural and arts events sponsored by New Tang Dynasty Television (NTD).
Its goal is to promote traditional arts of “pure authenticity, pure goodness and pure beauty,” and to restore the glory of violin masterpieces from the Baroque, Classical, and Romantic eras.
The competition is a tribute to the golden-age masters of violin playing and a commitment to artistic excellence, keeping this centuries-old repertoire thriving. We regard this body of work as a cultural treasure of humanity, to be preserved, cherished, and handed down to future generations.
c. 1750 – 1820
Classical
Clarity, balance, and elegance. In this competition: Mozart’s concertos and Beethoven’s sonatas and concerto.
MozartBeethoven
c. 1820 – 1910
Romantic
Virtuosity and a singing tone. In this competition: Paganini’s caprices, showpieces, and the great concertos.
PaganiniBrahmsMendelssohnTchaikovskySibelius
NTD
The organizer
The competition is organized by New Tang Dynasty Television (NTD) as part of its global series of competitions. NTD was founded in New York in 2001 and is the exclusive television media sponsor of Shen Yun Performing Arts. Learn more about us →
02 · Commissioned Composition
East meets West in a single voice
We have been granted permission by Mr. D.F., world-renowned composer and Artistic Director of Shen Yun Performing Arts, to select and adapt one of his well-known works as the solo violin Commissioned Composition.
The piece continues the distinctive musical style of Shen Yun. Based on traditional Chinese melodies, it draws on the subtle expressiveness and depth of the violin in the Western classical tradition.
It conveys the spiritual world and cultural heritage of traditional Chinese civilization, and humanity’s shared aspiration for the divine, blending the musical traditions of East and West.
Performers are invited to explore its artistic possibilities and bring their own interpretation and voice, contributing to the revival of traditional arts and culture.
03 · Schedule
Key dates
The competition takes place September 16–26, 2027. Further details will be announced.
-
Mar 16, 2027Early Bird deadlineApplication fee US$100
-
Jun 16, 2027Application deadline11:59 PM EST · fee US$150
-
By Jul 8, 2027Acceptance notificationSent by email
-
6 weeks beforeCommissioned CompositionEmailed to qualified contestants before the semi-final
-
Sep 16–26, 2027The CompetitionDetails to be announced
04 · Rules
Rules and Regulations
Everything contestants need to know, at a glance.
The Jury
A jury of world-class violinists and established violin educators, appointed by the Organizing Committee, assesses all performances. The decisions of the Jury shall be final.
Eligibility
Open to violinists of all nationalities aged 16 to 28: born between September 17, 1998 and September 16, 2011, inclusive.
Broadcasting
The organizer may live-stream, broadcast, record, televise, film, and publicize all performances.
Dress Code
Conservative formal performance attire is required in all rounds. Female contestants should wear a full-length dress.
Repertoire
- All pieces are performed from memory, including the Commissioned Composition, except the sonatas with piano in the preliminary round.
- Pieces are performed without repeats; indicated repeats, including da capo and dal segno, are disregarded.
- Repertoire cannot be changed after submission unless required by the Competition Committee.
Accompanists
Each contestant is assigned an accompanist at no cost. Contestants may bring their own accompanist at their own expense.
Scores
Contestants must bring original scores for all works, including the piano part, and be ready to provide full scores to the Competition Committee and accompanist for all works in every round.
Other terms
Agreement to the rules
Submitting an application means agreeing to all rules, regulations, and related terms. Contestants cannot refuse the transfer of rights for recordings of their participation.
Copyright
NTD holds all copyrights to text, audio, visual, and video materials produced during the competition.
Award ceremony
Winners must accept their awards in person. Absence means forfeiting the awards and prizes.
Travel and accommodation
International contestants handle their own travel documents and U.S. visas. The Organizing Committee does not arrange airline tickets, accommodations, or practice facilities, but recommends New York hotels and practice facilities to qualified contestants.
Enforcement and changes
Contestants must follow the arrangements of the Organizing Committee, which may revoke eligibility and prizes for rule violations. The Organizing Committee has sole authority to interpret these rules and may revise them without prior notice.
05 · Awards
Awards
Four awards, one winner each.
Gold Award
US$10,000
1 winner
Silver Award
US$6,000
1 winner
Bronze Award
US$3,000
1 winner
Best Rendition of the Commissioned Composition
US$3,000
1 winner
In person only. Winners must accept their awards in person at the award ceremony. Absence forfeits the award and prize.
Prize tax. Rules differ by nationality. See “Is tax withheld from cash prizes?” in the FAQ.
06 · Repertoire
Repertoire
Three rounds, from Bach to the great Romantic concertos. Choose a round to see what to prepare.
Preliminary Round
All contestants perform sections A, B, C, and D.
A
Niccolò Paganini Romantic
One of the 24 Caprices, Op. 1
B
J.S. Bach Baroque
One complete Partita from the Six Sonatas and Partitas for solo violin
- Partita No. 1 in B minorBWV 1002
- Partita No. 2 in D minorBWV 1004
- Partita No. 3 in E majorBWV 1006
Contestants perform two movements, selected by the Jury. You will be notified three days before your performance date.
C
Beethoven or Brahms Classical Romantic
One complete sonata for piano and violin
Beethoven
- Sonata No. 1 in D majorOp. 12 No. 1
- Sonata No. 2 in A majorOp. 12 No. 2
- Sonata No. 3 in E-flat majorOp. 12 No. 3
- Sonata No. 4 in A minorOp. 23
- Sonata No. 5 in F majorOp. 24
- Sonata No. 6 in A majorOp. 30 No. 1
- Sonata No. 7 in C minorOp. 30 No. 2
- Sonata No. 8 in G majorOp. 30 No. 3
- Sonata No. 9 in A majorOp. 47
- Sonata No. 10 in G majorOp. 96
Brahms
- Violin Sonata No. 1 in G majorOp. 78
- Violin Sonata No. 2 in A majorOp. 100
- Violin Sonata No. 3 in D minorOp. 108
The score may be used for this section. Contestants perform two movements, selected by the Jury, with notification three days before the performance date.
D
Contestant’s choice Romantic
Encore: one melodic encore work in the Romantic style
Semi-Final Round
All semi-finalists perform sections A, B, and C.
A
W.A. Mozart Classical
One complete violin concerto, performed with piano
- Violin Concerto No. 3 in G majorKV 216
- Violin Concerto No. 4 in D majorKV 218
- Violin Concerto No. 5 in A majorKV 219
B
Contestant’s choice Romantic
Romantic Showpiece
One virtuosic piece from the Romantic period, 8–15 minutes long.
Pieces that meet the requirements but run longer than 15 minutes in performance are also accepted, including the Faust Fantasy and Chausson’s Poème.
C
Mr. D.F. Commissioned
The Commissioned Composition
Sent to contestants six weeks before the semi-final round. Must be performed from memory. About the piece →
Final Round
Finalists perform one complete concerto with orchestra.
With orchestra Classical Romantic
Choose one concerto
- Beethoven: Violin Concerto in D majorOp. 61
- Brahms: Violin Concerto in D majorOp. 77
- Mendelssohn: Violin Concerto in E minorOp. 64
- Sibelius: Violin Concerto in D minorOp. 47
- Tchaikovsky: Violin Concerto in D majorOp. 35
This must be the same concerto whose first movement you submit in your application video (Section C).
Remember: all repertoire is performed from memory, including the Commissioned Composition (except the sonatas with piano in the preliminary round), and without repeats.
07 · Application
How to apply
Violinists of any nationality born on or after September 17, 1998, and on or before September 16, 2011 (ages 16 to 28) may apply.
Apply online
Submit the online form, all required materials, and your application videos at reg.ntd.com by June 16, 2027. No late or incomplete applications will be accepted.
Pay the fee
Pay the non-refundable application fee. Applications are not processed without payment.
Check your email
You will receive an email about your acceptance status by July 8, 2027.
Arrange your visa
International contestants obtain their own travel documents and U.S. entry visas. Consult the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Early submission is strongly recommended.
Application fee
Non-refundable and required.
Save $50
Early Bird
US$100
Submitted by March 16, 2027
Standard
US$150
Submitted by June 16, 2027
Payment by online payment, credit card, traveler’s checks, or money orders. Make checks payable to New Tang Dynasty.
Required documents
- Completed online application formA legal guardian must sign if the applicant is under 18.
- High-resolution color headshot300 dpi or higher, taken within the past 12 months. A professional profile photo suitable for publicity is preferred.
- Copy of a valid government-issued photo ID
- Application videosSee the requirements below.
Application video
Record sections A, B, and C separately and submit them in that order, as YouTube links.
Section A · Paganini
One of the 24 Caprices, Op. 1
Perform all written repeats. This caprice may be played again in the Preliminary Round.
Section B · J.S. Bach
Two movements from one solo sonata
- Adagio and Fuga, Sonata No. 1 in G minor, BWV 1001
- Grave and Fuga, Sonata No. 2 in A minor, BWV 1003
- Adagio and Fuga, Sonata No. 3 in C major, BWV 1005
Perform all written repeats.
Section C · Concerto
First movement of one Final Round concerto
Beethoven Op. 61, Brahms Op. 77, Mendelssohn Op. 64, Sibelius Op. 47, or Tchaikovsky Op. 35. The same concerto will be performed in the Final Round.
Recording rules
- All videos must be submitted as YouTube links, whether solo or with an ensemble.
- A single, continuous, unedited take, with no video or audio post-production. Tutti cuts are allowed in all works.
- A visible, continuously running clock or timer must be in the camera frame for the entire recording.
- Your hands and face must always be visible, and the camera angle must stay the same throughout.
- Recorded within the 12 months before submission.
- One video and file per piece, labeled in English as Last Name_First Name_Title of the Piece. Pieces recorded in one session may be cut into separate files, but the Bach sonata must be one continuous take in one file.
- Live performances with orchestra or ensemble are acceptable if the soloist is always clearly audible and visible.
- Edited videos, or videos without a continuous visible time stamp, will be disqualified.
After you submit
- Applicants will be emailed their status by July 8, 2027. Visa invitation letters are available to qualified contestants on request.
- The Commissioned Composition will be emailed to qualified contestants six weeks before the semi-final round.
Questions?
- Email
violin@ntd.com - Hotline
1-855-561-0888 - Mail
129 W 29th Street, 7th Floor, New York, NY 10001 USA
Ready to take the stage?
Early Bird fee of US$100 until March 16, 2027. Final deadline June 16, 2027.
08 · Benefits
Why compete
The only world-class violin event hosted by a global media network.
230M
potential viewers of the live final broadcast
100M
NTD viewers across its platforms
70M+
NTD social media followers
35
countries and regions where The Epoch Times is published
Noble Mission
Dedicated to preserving and reviving European classical violin music and restoring the glory of Baroque, Classical, and Romantic violin masterpieces. By taking part, you contribute to the revival of traditional culture.
Classical Repertoire
All repertoire comes from the Baroque, Classical, and Romantic periods.
Unique Commissioned Composition
Composer and Shen Yun Artistic Director Mr. D.F. has permitted us to adapt one of his works for solo violin. Drawing on traditional Chinese melodies, it blends Eastern and Western traditions and invites your own interpretation.
Shen Yun Symphony Orchestra
Finalists can work with the Shen Yun Symphony Orchestra, part of Shen Yun Performing Arts in New York. It draws musicians from eight orchestras, performs original works and classical masterpieces, and records concertos that stream on Shen Yun Creations.
Global Live Broadcast
The final round will be broadcast live on NTD and The Epoch Times TV networks, websites, and affiliated social media, reaching nearly 230 million viewers.
Global Promotion Platforms
NTD reaches about 100 million viewers through various platforms and has over 70 million social media followers. Its sister outlet, The Epoch Times, is published in 35 countries and regions in 23 languages, reaching 60 million readers and viewers.
Featured Interview
Award winners may be interviewed and profiled on NTD, The Epoch Times, and their affiliated publications and social media.
09 · FAQ
Frequently asked questions
What is the NTD International Violin Competition?
It is the only world-class violin competition hosted by a global television network, New Tang Dynasty Television (NTD). Its mission is to promote traditional arts of pure authenticity, pure goodness, and pure beauty, and to restore the glory of Baroque, Classical, and Romantic violin masterpieces.
What is New Tang Dynasty Television?
NTD was founded in New York in 2001 as the world’s first global, independent, non-profit Chinese-language TV news and entertainment network established by overseas Chinese. It began satellite broadcasting in North America in February 2002 and expanded to Asia, Europe, and Australia in July 2003. Headquartered in New York City, it produces content in multiple languages and reaches about 100 million viewers, with over 70 million social media followers.
Since 2007, NTD has run a global series of cultural competitions spanning dance, vocal, fashion design, culinary arts, martial arts, violin, piano, painting, photography, and beauty pageants. NTD is also the exclusive television media sponsor of Shen Yun Performing Arts.
What makes the competition special?
- Noble Mission: dedicated to preserving European classical violin music and restoring the glory of Baroque, Classical, and Romantic masterpieces.
- Classical Repertoire: all repertoire is from these three periods.
- Unique Commissioned Composition: Mr. D.F. has authorized us to select and rearrange one of his works for solo violin. It honors the golden-age masters and blends the spirit of traditional China with the expressive range of the solo violin.
- Shen Yun Symphony Orchestra: finalists can work with this orchestra.
- Global Live Broadcast: the final round will be broadcast live to nearly 230 million viewers.
Who are the judges?
The judges are appointed by the Organizing Committee. The jury consists of world-class violinists and established violin educators who assess all performances.
What is the application deadline?
All application materials must be received by 11:59 PM EST on June 16, 2027. Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted.
What is the age limit?
Violinists aged 16 to 28 may apply: born on or after September 17, 1998, and on or before September 16, 2011.
How much is the application fee?
The application fee is non-refundable and required. Early Bird: US$100 if submitted by March 16, 2027. Standard: US$150 if submitted by June 16, 2027.
When will I learn the results of the audition round?
Applicants will be notified by email no later than July 8, 2027. Visa invitation letters are available to qualified contestants on request.
When and how will I receive the Commissioned Composition?
It will be emailed to qualified contestants six weeks before the semi-final round. It must be performed from memory.
What media types are acceptable for application videos?
Only YouTube links are accepted, for both solo performances and concertos with orchestra or ensemble.
Can I refuse the transfer of rights for recordings of my participation?
No. NTD holds the copyrights to materials produced during the competition. Submitting an application means agreeing to the rules and related terms; otherwise participation is not possible.
Will the organizers arrange airline tickets, accommodations, and practice facilities?
No. For the live rounds, the Organizing Committee will recommend New York hotels and practice facilities to qualified contestants.
Is tax withheld from cash prizes?
It depends on the winner’s nationality:
- U.S. citizens and permanent residents: no tax is withheld. Winners complete a W-9, receive a 1099-MISC, and are responsible for reporting the income to the IRS.
- Non-resident aliens and citizens of other countries: winners complete a W-8 and 30% is withheld. They receive IRS Form 1042-S. A tax treaty between the U.S. and the winner’s country of residence may reduce or exempt this withholding.
Who should I contact with questions?
Contact the Organizing Committee by email at violin@ntd.com, by hotline at 1-855-561-0888, or by mail at 129 W 29th Street, 7th Floor, New York, NY 10001 USA.
No questions match your search. Try another word, or contact us.