Application Deadline Extended for the Cecil Aronowitz Viola Competitions

Violists aged 18 and under can now apply to the competition until July 1, 2024

Two longstanding British viola competitions, the Lionel Tertis International Viola Competition (LTIVC) and the Cecil Aronowitz International Viola Competition (CAIVC), will join forces to run concurrently in 2025. Both competitions will be hosted at the Gateshead venue The Glasshouse and will play host to some of the best young violists around the world between January 19 and 25, 2025.

Open to players aged 18 and under, the Cecil Aronowitz International Viola Competition has extended its deadline until Monday, July 1, 2024. Violists can apply for the CAIVC competition, here.

The 1st Prize winner will receive £5,000, a shared concert at the Wigmore Hall, Shallock Bow, and a possible debut CD recording with Champs Hill. 2nd Prize will receive £3,000, while 3rd Prize is endowed with £2,000. £1,000 will be awarded for the best performance of commissioned piece by composer Kathy Tagg.

The application video requirements are as follows:

1. One movement of solo Bach from one of the Cello Suites, Violin Partitas or Sonatas.
2. One movement from any major sonata, with piano composed after 1850 (N.B. Schubert’s ‘Arpeggione’ Sonata, composed in 1824, is permitted).
3. Britten - Lachrymae (from the beginning until four bars before Figure 5 - circa 6 ½ mins).

Players in the later stages of the competition will be accompanied by the Northern Sinfonia. Additionally, Nobuko Imai and former winner Timothy Ridout of both Aronowitz and Tertis competitions will be in residence during the week giving recitals and master classes.

“I am honored to be the patron of these two viola competitions and festivals celebrating the legacies of Tertis and Aronowitz," said Nobuko Imai, Patron. "It is going to be a week to remember, and I want to encourage young violists across the world to apply."

"We are delighted to announce that Royal Northern Sinfonia will be playing for the finalists in both competitions at The Glasshouse International Centre for Music," said Louise Lansdown, the Executive Artistic Director of the competitions. "As Tertis and Aronowitz join together, our ambitions are to promote, nurture and inspire the next generation of violists."