For 100 years, the Walter W. Naumburg Foundation has been a quiet force behind the world’s great classical musicians. The Foundation and solo competition was founded in New York City in 1926, and has launched countless extraordinary young artists onto the global stage. In 1965, the Foundation pioneered the first major international chamber music competition. Today, Naumburg stands alone as the oldest music competition in the world. This short film captures the thrill of discovery, the intensity of competition, and the enduring legacy of a foundation that continues to shape the world of classical music.
Producer / Director:
Catherine Tambini | View IMDB
Executive Producer:
Allan Miller | View IMDB
Runtime: 26:52
Featuring: Julia Bullock, Laurie Carney, John Corigliano, Thomas Demenga, David Geber, Sir Stephen Hough, Leonidas Kavakos, Valentin Kovalev, Nicholas Mann, Charles Neidich, Awadagin Pratt, Lucy Shelton, Mark Steinberg, Erin Wagner, Carol Wincenc and more.
May 17, 2026
May 17, 2026
Date to be announced
@
3:00 pm
Rose Theater
at
Jazz at Lincoln Center
This incredible event celebrates our 100 year long history as the world's oldest classical music competition.
Performances by past Naumburg award winners including Carol Wincenc, Colin Carr, Charles Neidich, Anton Nel, Leonidas Kavakos, Awadagin Pratt, Frank Huang, Erin Wagner, Valentin Kovalev, Jack Gao, the Terra String Quartet, the Emerson String Quartet, Lucy Shelton, Seth Knopp, the Brentano String Quartet and more.
World premiere of a new Naumburg commissioned work by Steven Mackey
February 9, 2027
February 9, 2027
Date to be announced
@
7:30 pm
Weill Recital Hall
at
Carnegie Hall
The Terra String Quartet, winners of the 2025 Naumburg Chamber Music Competition, make their Carnegie Hall Debut.
Concert to feature a world premiere of a new Naumburg Commissioned Work.
Discover the rich history of the Walter W. Naumburg Foundation.
History
View the details of every competition held since 1926. Discover how Naumburg has been a bedrock to classical music for nearly 100 years.
Directory
Watch, listen and read about our solo and chamber performances, as well as our special events.
Catalog
View the vast catalog of artists that have won past competitions. Read their bios, find them on social media and hear each Naumburg experience in the artist's own words.
