The International Violin Competition City of Bogotá is a unique initiative in Latin America, that seeks to promote excellence in violin performance, while providing a platform for the symphonic music ecosystem, particularly the entire world of string instruments, to strengthen while fostering engagement and audience diversity.

Bogotá, designated a UNESCO Creative City of Music, boasts a thriving classical music ecosystem. Its robust public music education system, alongside an outstanding network of youth and professional orchestras, is complemented by world-class theaters and an exceptional concert season. Hosting both the finest national talent and renowned international artists, the city stands as a leading musical hub in the region.

 

Learn more about Bogotá

Prizes

 

  • First place: 30K USD*

  • Second place: 20K USD

  • Special prize for the performance of a commissioned work: 20K USD

  • Participant conditions: 20 selected contestants will receive all-expenses-paid travel to Bogotá to attend the competition from october 31 through november 7.

 

*Presentation opportunities for first place: the winner will be playing a concert on the 2026 season of Bogota's Philharmonic Orchestra.

 

 

 

Juries

 

  

 

     

 

  

 

 

 

Competition Guidelines

Objective

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 aims to benefit 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.

 

General Terms and Conditions

  • The competition is open to performers up to 30 years old from around the world.
  • The competition will commission a piece by a Colombian/regional composer to be performed during the event..
  • Pre-selection of candidates will be done through virtual submissions on YouTube.
  • Up to 20 participants will be selected for the first elimination round.
  • The competition will consist of three elimination stages, where participants select pieces to perform from those provided by the Organization for this purpose.
  • The winner will perform a concert on the 2026 season of Bogota's Philharmonic Orchestra.
  • The competition will appoint a jury of international prestige, to be announced in due course.
  • All contestants will be required to give a masterclass to young violinists of Bogotá.
 

Timeline

 

  • Application deadline: May 31, at 5:00 p.m., Colombian time (GMT-5).

  • Participant selection: June 1-30.

  • Announcement of selected participants & commissioned piece distribution: July 1-10.

  • First round: October 31 - November 2.

  • Semi-finals: November 4-5.

  • Final: November 7.

Venues

The competition will take place in the prestigious Auditorio Fabio Lozano and Teatro Mayor Julio Mario Santo Domingo. For further information regarding the venues' specifications, please visit their websites by clicking below.

https://www.teatromayor.org/

https://www.utadeo.edu.co/es/micrositio/auditorio-fabio-lozano

 

Teatro Mayor Julio Mario Santo Domingo, official venue of the competition, presents its 2025 programming.

Registration

Thank you for your interest.

Applications for the Bogotá International Violin Competition closed on May 31 at 5:00 p.m., Colombian time (GMT-5).

We truly appreciate your enthusiasm and hope to receive your application in future editions.

 

Contact

 

For further information, please contact us at:
violin@scrd.gov.co

Bogotá International Violin Competition 2025