Free and open to the public
Be there for the final.
Hear the finalists—and stay for the announcement of the winners of the 2026 Naumburg International Violin Competition.
- When
- Sunday, November 1, 2026
- Start time
- Approximately 12:00 PM Noon, New York time · Doors open 11:30 AM
- Where
- Kaufmann Concert Hall 92NY
How the round works
From the 12–14 violinists who generally reach the semifinal, 3–5 advance to the final. Each finalist performs for approximately 45 minutes, without interruption from the jury.
30-minute recital
The finalist creates the entire recital program, choosing music from their two submitted programs to showcase their own musical personality.
15-minute concerto component
Each violinist prepares two concertos: one Classical or Romantic, and one from the 20th or 21st century. The jury selects the movements to be heard.
A concerto usually pairs a soloist with an orchestra. Here, a pianist plays the orchestral part.
The winners are announced
After the performances, the jury deliberates and the winners are announced onstage.
Performance lengths may vary with the number of finalists.
Plan your visit
Kaufmann Concert Hall
92NY
1395 Lexington Avenue
New York, NY 10128
Join us in person or watch online. Admission is free.
Plan extra travel time. The NYC Marathon and security screening at 92NY may affect your arrival. Enter on East 92nd Street, between Lexington and Third Avenues. The start time is approximate.
The prizes
First prize
$25,000Two fully subsidized New York City recitals, a recital at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music, a new commissioned work, and a recording of that work.
Prizes are awarded at the jury’s discretion.
A tradition of discovery
Hear tomorrow’s leading artists. Naumburg’s past violin winners include:
Internationally acclaimed soloist
Concertmaster of the New York Philharmonic
Concertmaster of the Boston Symphony Orchestra for 22 years
Discover the next generation in person. No musical background needed.
The semifinal takes place at a different venue: Greenfield Hall at Manhattan School of Music, on Friday, October 30, beginning at approximately 10:00 AM.
Explore the semifinal →