The New Tang Dynasty (NTD) International Violin Competition is one in a series of international cultural and arts events sponsored by New Tang Dynasty Television (NTD). The mission of this competition is to promote traditional arts of pure authenticity, pure goodness and pure beauty and to bring back the glory of violin masterpieces from the Baroque, Classical and Romantic periods.

Through its commitment to artistic excellence, the competition—a tribute to the golden-age masters of violin playing—aims to ensure that the centuries-old legacy of the violin repertoire continues to flourish. We regard this body of work as a cultural treasure of humanity—one that should be preserved, cherished, and passed on to future generations.

New Tang Dynasty Television (NTD) was founded in New York in 2001. It is the world’s first global, independent, non-profit Chinese-language television news and entertainment network established by overseas Chinese. NTD began satellite broadcasting in North America in February 2002, then expanded its 24/7 programming to Asia, Europe, and Australia in July 2003. Headquartered in New York City, NTD is internationally recognized for extensive cultural and entertainment programs that blend the best of Eastern and Western cultures, as well as for objective, timely reporting on economic, political, and cultural stories in Chinese.

NTD also produces content in multiple languages, including English, French, Spanish, Russian, Hebrew, Korean, Japanese, Vietnamese, and more. Across satellite, cable, over-the-air broadcasts, streaming platforms, and magazines, NTD connects with around 100 million viewers worldwide. The network also reaches more than 70 million followers across YouTube, X, Facebook, and other social platforms.

Beyond broadcasting, NTD is proud to organize the world’s largest international cultural competitions and events. Since 2007, it has launched a global series of competitions designed to promote and revive world and Chinese traditional culture and arts through large-scale, high-quality cultural programs and major events. This cultural platform—spanning Classical Chinese Dance, Vocal, Han Couture Design, Chinese Culinary, Traditional Chinese Martial Arts, Violin, Piano, Oil Painting, Photography, and Beauty Pageant—advances cultural exchange between East and West and helps audiences worldwide better understand the essence of traditional Chinese and Western culture: pure authenticity, goodness, and beauty.

NTD has also been the media sponsor for Shen Yun Performing Arts, hailed as the “world’s number one show.” As Shen Yun rapidly entered the global mainstream market in just a few short years, NTD, as the exclusive television media sponsor, made an indelible contribution by broadcasting Shen Yun’s artistic essence and cultural values to audiences around the world.

NTD International Violin Competition is honored to receive authorization from the world-renowned composer and Artistic Director of Shen Yun Performing Arts, Mr. D.F., to select and rearrange one of his precious works for the Commissioned Composition for solo violin.

The Commissioned Composition gives tribute to the golden-age masters of violin playing in the context of the mission of the NTD International Violin Competition: to promote traditional arts of pure authenticity, pure goodness and pure beauty and to bring back the glory of violin masterpieces from the Baroque, Classical and Romantic periods. The work blends the spirit of traditional China with the versatility and expressive brilliance of the solo violin. The performer is invited to explore and present a personal, unique contribution to the renaissance of traditional culture.

September 16th – 26th, 2027. Details to be announced.

The Jury

Contestants will be judged by a Jury appointed by the NTD Competition Organizing Committee. The Jury of the NTD International Violin Competition comprises world-class violinists and established violin educators, who will be responsible for assessing contestants’ performances. The decisions of the Jury shall be final.

Eligibility

The competition is open to violinists of all nationalities between the ages of 16 and 28. Contestants must have been born on or after September 17, 1998, and on or before September 16, 2011.

Broadcasting

The organizer reserves the right to live-stream, broadcast, record, televise, film, and publicize all competition performances.

Dress Code

All contestants are required to wear conservative formal performance attire during all rounds of the competition. Female contestants should wear a full-length dress.

Repertoire

All competition repertoires must be performed from memory, including the Commissioned Composition, except for sonatas with piano in the preliminary round.

All repertoires must be presented without repeats. Any indicated repeats, including da capo and dal segno instructions, are to be disregarded.

Once contestants have submitted their repertoire, no changes are permitted unless required by the Competition Committee.

Accompanists

Each contestant will be provided with an assigned accompanist at no cost. Contestants may also bring their own accompanist at their own expense.

Scores

Contestants are required to bring original scores for all works, including the piano part, and must also be prepared to supply full scores to the Competition Committee and accompanist for all works in all rounds.

• Gold Award, 1 winner, US $10,000
• Silver Award, 1 winner, US $6,000
• Bronze Award, 1 winner, US $3,000
• Best Rendition Award of the Commissioned Composition, 1 winner, US$3,000

Preliminary Round: All contestants will be required to perform all four sections (A–D) listed below.

1. N. Paganini – One of the 24 Caprices from Op. 1
2. J.S. Bach – One of the following complete Partitas from the Six Sonatas and Partitas for solo violin
   • Partita No.1 in B minor, BWV 1002
   • Partita No.2 in D minor, BWV 1004
   • Partita No.3 in E major, BWV 1006

   Contestants will perform only two movements of the Partita for the competition. The Jury will select the two movements, and contestants will be notified of the selection three days before their performance date.

3. L. van Beethoven – One of the following complete sonatas for piano and violin
   • Sonata No. 1 in D major, Op. 12, No. 1
   • Sonata No. 2 in A major, Op. 12, No. 2
   • Sonata No. 3 in E-flat major, Op. 12, No. 3
   • Sonata No. 4 in A minor, Op. 23
   • Sonata No. 5 in F major, Op. 24
   • Sonata No. 6 in A major, Op. 30, No. 1
   • Sonata No. 7 in C minor, Op. 30, No. 2
   • Sonata No. 8 in G major, Op. 30, No. 3
   • Sonata No. 9 in A major, Op. 47
   • Sonata No. 10 in G major, Op. 96

   OR
   J. Brahms – One of the following complete sonatas for piano and violin

   • Violin Sonata No. 1 in G major, Op. 78
   • Violin Sonata No. 2 in A major, Op. 100
   • Violin Sonata No. 3 in D minor, Op. 108

   Contestants may use the score for the Beethoven and Brahms sonatas for piano and violin. Contestants will perform only two movements of the sonata in competition. The Jury will select the two movements, and contestants will be notified of the selection three days before their performance date.

4. One melodic encore work in the Romantic style, of the contestant’s choice

Semi-Final Round: All semi-finalists will be required to perform all three sections (A–C) listed below.

1. One of the complete W.A. Mozart violin concertos from the following list, to be performed with piano
   • Violin concerto No.3 in G major, KV216
   • Violin concerto No.4 in D major, KV218
   • Violin concerto No.5 in A major, KV219
2. One virtuosic showpiece from the Romantic period, of the contestant’s choice, 10–15 minutes in length.
3. Commissioned Composition: Contestants will receive the Commissioned Composition six weeks prior to the semi-final round; the piece must be performed from memory.

Final Round: All finalists will be required to perform one complete concerto (with orchestra) from the list below

• L. van Beethoven—Violin Concerto in D major, Op. 61
• J. Brahms—Violin Concerto in D major, Op. 77
• F. Mendelssohn—Violin Concerto in E minor, Op. 64
• J. Sibelius—Violin Concerto in D minor, Op. 47
• P. I. Tchaikovsky—Violin Concerto in D major, Op. 35

Eligibility

• The competition is open to violinists of all nationalities.
• Contestants must have been born on or after September 17, 1998, and on or before September 16, 2011.

Method of application

• The application form and all materials, including application video recordings, must be submitted online through reg.ntd.com/en/?for=violin by June 16, 2027. No late or incomplete applications will be accepted.
• Applicants will be notified by email of their acceptance status no later than July 8, 2027.
• International contestants are responsible for obtaining the necessary travel documents and visas for entry to the U.S. Please consult the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate for guidance. Early submission of the application package is highly recommended.
• A non-refundable application fee is required. Applications cannot be processed without payment.
  • Early Bird Rate: US$100 (for application submitted by March 16, 2027)
  • Standard Rate: US$150 (for application submitted by June 16, 2027)

  Accepted forms of payment include online payment, credit card, traveler’s checks, and money orders. Please make checks payable to New Tang Dynasty.

• Applicants must provide the following in the application package:
  • Completed Online Application Form for the NTD International Violin Competition. The signature of a legal guardian is required if the applicant is under 18 years old.
  • A high-resolution color headshot photo (300 dpi or higher) taken within the past 12 months, preferably a professional profile photo that is suitable for publicity purposes.
  • A copy of a valid government-issued photo ID.
  • Application videos
• Contact Us:
  • Email: [email protected]
  • Hotline: 1-855-561-0888
  • Mailing address: The NTD International Violin Competition
    129 W 29th Street, 7th Floor, New York, NY 10001 USA

Application Video Submission

• Application video repertoire:
  1. N. Paganini – One of the 24 Caprices from Op.1
     Applicants are required to perform all written repeats for the application video. This caprice may be performed again in the Preliminary Round.
  2. J.S. Bach – Two movements from one of the Sonatas for solo violin, as paired below:
     • Adagio and Fuga from the Sonata No. 1 in G minor, BWV 1001
     • Grave and Fuga from the Sonata No. 2 in A minor, BWV 1003
     • Adagio and Fuga from the Sonata No. 3 in C major, BWV 1005

     Applicants are required to perform all written repeats for the application video.

  3. First movement of the concerto chosen by the applicant for the Final Round:
     • L. van Beethoven—Violin Concerto in D major, Op. 61
     • J. Brahms—Violin Concerto in D major, Op. 77
     • F. Mendelssohn—Violin Concerto in E minor, Op. 64
     • J. Sibelius—Violin Concerto in D minor, Op. 47
     • P. I. Tchaikovsky—Violin Concerto in D major, Op. 35

     The concerto selected for part C will be performed again in the Final Round.

• Notes on application video recordings
• Applicants are required to perform sections A, B, and C, and to submit them separately, in order.
• Tutti cuts are acceptable in all works.
• All recordings must be unedited, with no video or audio post-production.
• To ensure the integrity and authenticity of the submission, all video recordings must be a single, continuous, and unedited take of the performance. A visible, continuously running clock or timer must be in the camera frame for the entire duration of the recording. The clock must be clearly visible to the judges. Any submissions that have been edited or do not feature a continuous, visible time stamp will be disqualified.
• Please make a separate video recording of each piece and submit each recording as a separate file. Each file must be clearly labeled using this format in English: Last Name_First Name_Title of the Piece.
• If an applicant records multiple pieces in one session, the recording may be cut into separate video files for submission. However, the J.S. Bach’s sonata must be performed continuously in one take and submitted as one file.
• The recordings must have been made within the 12 months prior to submission.
• The applicant’s hands and face must always be visible in the frame, and the same camera angle must be used throughout.
• Live performances with orchestra/ensemble are acceptable provided the soloist is always clearly audible and visible.
• Application videos must be submitted as YouTube links, whether solo performances or concertos with an orchestra/ensemble.

Post Application Submission

• Applicants will be notified of their application status by email no later than July 8, 2027. Invitation letters for U.S. visa applications will be provided to qualified contestants upon request.
• The Organizing Committee will email the Commissioned Composition to all qualified contestants six weeks prior to the semi-final round.

• By applying to the competition, contestants acknowledge the validity of the Rules and Regulations of the competition.
• Contestants must abide by the arrangements of the competition’s Organizing Committee. The Organizing Committee reserves the right to revoke the eligibility and prizes should a contestant be found in violation of the rules.
• NTD is entitled to all copyrights of text, audio, visual, and video products made during the competition.
• All awards must be accepted by contestants in person at the Award Ceremony. Absence from the Award Ceremony constitutes forfeiture of the awards and prizes.
• Contestants are fully responsible for handling any unexpected situations during the competition.
• The Organizing Committee has the sole and final authority to interpret these Rules and Regulations and reserves the right to revise, amend, or modify them as necessary. These Rules and Regulations are subject to change without prior notice.
• The final round of the competition will be live streamed, and a recorded, edited version will air as a TV special on NTD’s network.

Organizing Committee of the NTD International Violin Competition

• Noble Mission: The NTD International Violin Competition is solely dedicated to preserving and revitalizing the European classical violin music — the splendid legacy of Western culture, and to bringing back the glory of violin masterpieces from the Baroque, Classical and Romantic periods. By participating in this event, you will make a unique contribution to the renaissance of traditional culture.
• Classical Selection of Repertoire: All repertoire must be from the Baroque, Classical and Romantic periods.
• Unique Commissioned Composition: NTD International Violin Competition is honored to receive authorization from the world-renowned composer and Artistic Director of Shen Yun Performing Arts, Mr. D.F., to select and rearrange one of his precious works for the Commissioned Composition for solo violin. The Commissioned Composition gives tribute to the golden-age masters of violin playing in the context of the mission of the NTD International Violin Competition: to promote traditional arts of pure authenticity, pure goodness and pure beauty and to bring back the glory of violin masterpieces from the Baroque, Classical and Romantic periods. The work blends the spirit of traditional China with the versatility and expressive brilliance of the solo violin. The performer is invited to explore and present a personal, unique contribution to the renaissance of traditional culture.
• Shen Yun Symphony Orchestra: All the finalists will have the opportunity to work with Shen Yun Symphony Orchestra. The Shen Yun Symphony Orchestra is part of the New York-based Shen Yun Performing Arts, a classical Chinese dance and music company. The orchestra brings together the finest musicians from the eight orchestras and specializes in performing all-original music based upon China’s rich heritage of 5,000 years of civilization. Alongside performing Shen Yun original works to great acclaim, the orchestra also performs classical masterpieces in its concerts, and frequently records concertos with talented musicians, which are streamed on Shen Yun’s streaming platform, Shen Yun Creations.
• Global Live Broadcast: The final round will be broadcast live through the global TV networks, websites, and affiliated social media platforms of NTD and The Epoch Times, giving nearly 230 million viewers worldwide the opportunity to experience this musical event.
• Global Promotion Platforms: The NTD International Violin Competition is the only world-class violin event hosted by a global media network. As the organizer, NTD is not only the largest overseas Chinese-language media network, but also offers programs in multiple languages, including English, French, Spanish, Russian, Hebrew, Korean, Japanese, Vietnamese and more. NTD connects with around 100 million viewers worldwide through satellite, cable, over-the-air broadcasts, streaming platforms, and magazines. Additionally, the network reaches over 70 million followers across YouTube, X, Facebook and more. NTD’s sister outlet, The Epoch Times, is published in 35 countries and regions. Across its media platforms and social channels—available in 23 languages—it reaches a global audience of 60 million readers and viewers.
• Opportunity for Featured Interview: Award winners will have the opportunity to be interviewed and profiled on NTD and The Epoch Times, as well as their affiliated publications and multiple social media platforms.

What is the NTD International Violin Competition?

The NTD International Violin Competition is the only world-class violin competition hosted by a global television network – New Tang Dynasty Television (NTD). The mission of the NTD International Violin Competition is to promote traditional arts of pure authenticity, pure goodness, and pure beauty, and to bring back the glory of violin masterpieces from the Baroque, Classical and Romantic periods.

What is New Tang Dynasty Television?

New Tang Dynasty Television (NTD) was founded in New York in 2001. It is the world’s first global, independent, non-profit Chinese-language television news and entertainment network established by overseas Chinese. NTD began satellite broadcasting in North America in February 2002, then expanded its 24/7 programming to Asia, Europe, and Australia in July 2003. Headquartered in New York City, NTD is internationally recognized for extensive cultural and entertainment programs that blend the best of Eastern and Western cultures, as well as for objective, timely reporting on economic, political, and cultural stories in Chinese.

NTD also produces content in multiple languages, including English, French, Spanish, Russian, Hebrew, Korean, Japanese, Vietnamese, and more. Across satellite, cable, over-the-air broadcasts, streaming platforms, and magazines, NTD connects with around 100 million viewers worldwide. The network also reaches more than 70 million followers across YouTube, X, Facebook, and other social platforms.

Beyond broadcasting, NTD is proud to organize the world’s largest international cultural competitions and events. Since 2007, it has launched a global series of competitions designed to promote and revive world and Chinese traditional culture and arts through large-scale, high-quality cultural programs and major events. This cultural platform—spanning Classical Chinese Dance, Vocal, Han Couture Design, Chinese Culinary, Traditional Chinese Martial Arts, Violin, Piano, Oil Painting, Photography, and Beauty Pageant—advances cultural exchange between East and West and helps audiences worldwide better understand the essence of traditional Chinese and Western culture: pure authenticity, goodness, and beauty.

NTD has also been the media sponsor for Shen Yun Performing Arts, hailed as the “world’s number one show.” As Shen Yun rapidly entered the global mainstream market in just a few short years, NTD, as the exclusive television media sponsor, made an indelible contribution by broadcasting Shen Yun’s artistic essence and cultural values to audiences around the world.

What makes the NTD International Violin Competition special?

• Noble Mission: The NTD International Violin Competition is solely dedicated to preserving and revitalizing European classical violin music — the splendid legacy of Western culture—and to bringing back the glory of violin masterpieces from the Baroque, Classical and Romantic periods. By participating in this event, you will make a unique contribution to the renaissance of traditional culture.
• Classical Selection of Repertoire: All repertoire must be from the Baroque, Classical and Romantic periods.
• Unique Commissioned Composition: NTD International Violin Competition is honored to receive authorization from the world-renowned composer and Artistic Director of Shen Yun Performing Arts, Mr. D.F., to select and rearrange one of his precious works for the Commissioned Composition for solo violin. The Commissioned Composition gives tribute to the golden-age masters of violin playing in the context of the mission of the NTD International Violin Competition: to promote traditional arts of pure authenticity, pure goodness and pure beauty and to bring back the glory of violin masterpieces from the Baroque, Classical and Romantic periods. The work blends the spirit of traditional China with the versatility and expressive brilliance of the solo violin. The performer is invited to explore and present a personal, unique contribution to the renaissance of traditional culture.
• Shen Yun Symphony Orchestra: All the finalists will have the opportunity to work with Shen Yun Symphony Orchestra. The Shen Yun Symphony Orchestra is part of the New York-based Shen Yun Performing Arts, a classical Chinese dance and music company. The orchestra brings together the finest musicians from the eight orchestras and specializes in performing all-original music based upon China’s rich heritage of 5,000 years of civilization. Alongside performing Shen Yun original works to great acclaim, the orchestra also performs classical masterpieces in its concerts, and frequently records concertos with talented musicians, which are streamed on Shen Yun’s streaming platform, Shen Yun Creations.
• Global Live Broadcast: The final round will be broadcast live through the global TV networks, websites, and affiliated social media platforms of NTD and The Epoch Times, giving nearly 230 million viewers worldwide the opportunity to experience this musical event.

Who are the judges of the NTD International Violin Competition?

All judges of the Jury panel are appointed by the NTD Competition’s Organizing Committee. The Jury of the NTD International Violin Competition comprises world-class violinists and established violin educators, who will be responsible for assessing the contestants’ performances.

What is the application submission deadline?

All required application materials must be received by the Competition’s Organizing Committee by 11:59 PM (EST) on June 16, 2027. No late or incomplete applications will be accepted.

What is the age limit for contestants?

The competition is open to violinists of all nationalities between the ages of 16 and 28. Contestants must have been born on or after September 17, 1998, and on or before September 16, 2011.

How much is the application fee?

A non-refundable application fee is required. Applications cannot be processed without payment.

• Early Bird Rate: US$100 (for application submitted by March 16, 2027)
• Standard Rate: US$150 (for application submitted by June 16, 2027)

When will I be notified about the results of the audition round?

Applicants will be notified of their application status by email no later than July 8, 2027. Invitation letters for U.S. visa applications will be provided to qualified contestants upon request.

When and how can I receive the Commissioned Composition?

The Organizing Committee will email the Commissioned Composition to all qualified contestants six weeks prior to the semi-final round. Contestants are required to play it from memory.

What media types are acceptable for the application videos?

Application videos must be submitted as YouTube links, whether solo performances or concertos with an orchestra/ensemble.

NTD is entitled to all copyrights for the text, audio, visual and video materials produced during the competition. Am I allowed to refuse the transfer of rights for recordings of my participation?

No. By submitting an application, a contestant agrees to all the rules, regulations, and affiliated terms of the Competition, otherwise, he or she will not be able to participate.

Will the Organizing Committee assist with arranging airline tickets, accommodations, and practice facilities during the live rounds of the competition?

No. However the Organizing Committee will recommend New York hotels and practice facilities to all qualified contestants in the live rounds of the competition.

If a contestant wins the cash prize, will there be any tax withholding?

It depends on the nationality of the winner.

No tax will be withheld for prize winners who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents. Winners must complete a W-9 form, which will be kept on file with NTD. This form provides the necessary information for issuing a 1099-MISC to the winner. It is the winner’s responsibility to report this income to the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and file the income tax accordingly.

If the winner is either a non-resident alien in the U.S. or a citizen of another country, he or she must complete a W-8 form and the cash prize is subject to a 30% tax withholding requirement. The winner will receive IRS Form 1042-S from NTD, reporting U.S. source income paid to foreign persons.

However, depending on the winner’s country of residence, an exception to the withholding tax may apply if the U.S. has a tax treaty with that country.

If I have questions regarding this competition, to whom do I direct these questions?

You are welcome to direct your questions to the Organizing Committee through the following channels:

• Email: [email protected]
• Hotline: 1-855-561-0888
• Mailing address: The NTD International Violin Competition
  129 W 29th Street, 7th Floor, New York, NY 10001 USA