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 Since 1982, the
International
Violin Competition of Indianapolis has drawn
young talent worldwide every four years to engage in
the competition and enjoy the sights and sounds of
Indianapolis. The “Indianapolis,” as the competition
is called, is the most prestigious violin
competition in the United States, being the only one
recognized by the World Federation of International
Music Competitions in Geneva.
The Indianapolis, however, is
more than just a competition. It is a rare
coming-together for violinists, a place for them to
perform, network, socialize, and learn. There are
seminars on education, careers, and theory. Violin
exhibits allow artists to try violins made by
masters. Jury members are experienced,
award-winning, life-long musicians who are often
legends to their peers. The competition is broadcast
on their website and on WFYI, Indianapolis.
One of the most outstanding
features of this competition - according to the
winners, at least - is the prizes. Not only does the
first place winner get cash and a 24-carat gold
medal, they get a Carnegie Hall recital and a debut
CD recording. Perhaps the most unique of the prizes
however is the use for four years of the 1683 ex-Gingold
Stradivari violin and Tourte bow for the grand-prize
winner. Many other cash awards are given, many
specified by the people and entities that give the
cash for the award.
 The whole city of Indianapolis
participates in the 17-day event, with public radio
and television broadcasting the competition, the
museums showing violin exhibitions, and forums and
ceremonies being held all over the city.
Many of the violinists performing in the
competition also take the time to speak to students ranging
from elementary school to college ages, to talk to them
about anything from careers in music to cultural issues. The
Indianapolis ArtsGarden and Hilbert Circle Theatre gallery
also hosted the 2006 Juried Exhibition of Student Art
selected from more than 30,000 entries statewide of
two-dimensional art inspired by the violin.
After the Competition, the winners are
invited back to Indiana to perform chamber music concerts
and recitals on the annual
Laureate Series
held in the intimate Glick Indiana History Center Basile
Theater. While here they also teach workshops and master
classes through a collaboration with Young Audiences of
Indiana. Through these activites, audiences reconnect with
the artists and once again enjoy their performances.
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