Updated October 25, 2026: The current preliminary-round roster includes 38 violinists. The photograph above shows the 42 participants included in the original September 28 announcement.
The Walter W. Naumburg Foundation announced 42 participants in the 2026 Naumburg International Violin Competition on September 28. The preliminary round begins in New York City on October 27.
Held during the Foundation’s centennial year, the competition runs October 27–November 1, 2026. The participant roster is now available, with photographs and individual biographies.
Meet the 2026 violin participants.
Competition schedule
- Preliminary round: October 27–29 at the Leonard Nimoy Thalia Theater at Symphony Space. This round is closed to the public.
- Semifinal round: October 30 at Greenfield Hall, Manhattan School of Music. Open to the public and livestreamed.
- Final round: November 1 at Kaufmann Concert Hall, 92NY. Open to the public and livestreamed.
First prize includes $25,000, two fully subsidized New York City recitals, a recital at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music, a commissioned work and a recording of that work. Second prize is $15,000, and third prize is $10,000.
Visit the competition page for the full schedule, jury and requirements, and to sign up for competition updates.