Walter W. Naumburg International Violin Competition

The Walter W. Naumburg Competition, founded in New York in 1926, is the oldest classical music competition in the world and rotates instruments each year; the 2026 edition is for violin. It is open to violinists of every nationality who are at least 18 and no more than 32 years old (not yet 33 by November 1, 2026).

Applicants submit recorded performances showing technical command and interpretive range, with a $150 application fee. Live preliminary, semifinal, and final rounds take place in New York City from October 27 to November 1, 2026.

First Prize is $25,000 plus two fully subsidized New York recitals and a commissioned work; Second Prize is $15,000 and Third Prize $10,000. Applications for the 2026 competition are due September 7, 2026.