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 glory of violin masterpieces from Baroque, Classical and Romantic periods.

Through its commitment to artistic excellence, competition, a tribute to the golden age masters of violin playing, aims to ensure that centuries-old legacy of 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 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 to the world the artistic essence and cultural values presented by Shen Yun.

October 2027. Details to be announced.

The Jury

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

Eligibility

Competition is open to violinists, instructors and students of all nationalities who are proficient with a broad violin repertoire. The contestants are required to be born after or on October X, 1998 and before or on October X, 2010. Specify the date once confirmed the venue.

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 competition. Females should wear a full-length dress.

Repertoire

All competition repertoire must be performed from memory, including the Commissioned Composition, with the exception of sonatas with piano in the preliminary round.

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

Contestants, upon submitting their repertoires are not permitted to make any changes unless required to by the Competition Committee.

Accompanists

Each contestant will be provided with an assigned accompanist at no cost. A contestant may bring his or her own accompanist at his or her own expense.

Scores

Contestants are required to have with them original scores for all works including piano part, and must be prepared also to supply full scores for 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 Commissioned Composition, 2 winners, US$3,000 each

Preliminary round: All competition contestants will be required to play section A, B, C and D.

1. N. Paganini – One of the first 12 Caprices from Op.1 (Including No.12)
2. J.S Bach – One of the following complete Partitas from 6 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
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 complete sonata 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 score for Beethoven, Brahms Piano and Violin Sonatas.
   Contestants will only play two movements of sonata for competition. These will be chosen by jury and contestant will be informed which two movements they will be required to play 3 days in advance of performance date.

4. One melodic encore piece from the following list
   • Achron — Hebrew Melody (arr. L. Auer)
   • Chopin — Nocturne in C-sharp minor (arr. N. Milstein)
   • Chopin — Nocturne in D-flat major, Op. 27, No. 2
   • Dvořák-Kreisler — Slavonic Fantasy in B minor
   • Elgar — Salut d’amour, Op. 12
   • Fauré — Après un rêve
   • Fauré — Berceuse in D, Op. 16
   • Foster — Jeanie with Light Brown Hair (arr. Heifetz)
   • Foster — Old Folks at Home (arr. Heifetz)
   • Gluck — Mélodie from Orfeo ed Euridice, Wq. 30 (arr. Kreisler)
   • Kreisler — Liebesleid from Alt-Wiener Tanzweisen
   • Kreisler — Caprice Viennois, Op. 2
   • M. De Falla – La vida breve Danse Espagnole, No.1 (arr. Kreisler)
   • Massenet — Méditation from “Thaïs”
   • Mendelssohn — On Wings of Song, Op. 34, No. 2
   • Paradis — Siciliana
   • Paganini — Cantabile, Op. 17
   • Ponce — Estrellita (arr. J. Heifetz)
   • Rachmaninoff — Vocalise, Op. 34, No. 14
   • Raff — Cavatina, Op. 85, No. 3
   • Sarasate — Playera, Op. 23, No. 1
   • Schubert — Ave Maria
   • Schumann – Romance in A major, Op.94, No.2 (arr. Kreisler)
   • Tchaikovsky — Mélodie in E-flat major, from Souvenir d’un lieu cher, Op. 42, No. 3
   • Tchaikovsky — Valse sentimentale, Op. 51, No. 6
   • Traditional Irish melody — Londonderry Air (arr. Kreisler)
   • Wagner — Albumblatt (arr. A. Wilhelmj), WWV 94

Semi-final round: All semi-finalists will be required to play section A, B and C.

1. One of the complete W.A Mozart violin concertos from the following list, to be played 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 Romantic Period of contestants’ choice, between 10 -15 minutes.
3. Commissioned Composition: contestants will receive Commissioned Composition six weeks prior to semi-final round, and piece will be performed from memory.

Final round: All finalists will be required to perform a complete concerto from the list below

• L. van Beethoven—Violin Concerto in D major, Op. 61 (with Joachim cadenza)
• J. Brahms—Violin Concerto in D major, Op. 77 (with Joachim cadenza)
• F. Mendelssohn—Violin Concerto in E minor, Op. 64
• N. Paganini — Violin Concerto No. 1 in D major, Op. 6 (with Sauret cadenza)
• J. Sibelius—Violin Concerto in D minor, Op. 47
• P. I. Tchaikovsky—Violin Concerto in D major, Op. 35

Eligibility

• Competition is open to violinists, instructors and students of all nationalities who are proficient with a broad violin repertoire.
• The contestants are required to be born after or on October X, 1998 and before or on October X, 2010. Specify the date once confirmed the venue.

Method of application

• Application form and all materials, including audition video recordings must be submitted online through the website of reg.ntd.com/b5/?for=violin by July 10, 2027. No late or incomplete application will be accepted.
• Applicants will receive notification by email regarding whether they have been accepted into the competition or not no later than July 15, 2027.
• Foreign contestants are responsible for obtaining necessary travel documents and visas for entry to the U.S. Please consult the nearest American Embassy or Consulate for advice. Early submission of the application package is highly recommended.
• Non-refundable application fee of US$150. Application cannot be processed without payment. Accepted forms of payment include online payment, credit card, traveler’s check or money orders. Please make your check payable to New Tang Dynasty.
• Applicants must provide the following in the application package:
  • Completed Application Form for 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 12 months, preferably a professional profile photo that is suitable for publicity purposes.
  • A copy of a valid legal ID
  • Audition videos
• Contact Us:
  • Online Registration： reg.ntd.com?for=violin
  • 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

Audition videos submission

• Audition videos repertoire.
  1. N. Paganini – One of the first 12 Caprices from Op.1 (Including No.12)
  2. J.S Bach – One of the following two movements from Bach Sonatas for solo violin
     • Adagio and Fuga from Sonata No. 1 in G minor, BWV 1001
     • Grave and Fuga from Sonata No. 2 in A minor, BWV 1003
     • Adagio and Fuga from Sonata No. 3 in C major, BWV 1005
  3. One movement from a violin concerto from the Romantic Period of applicants’ choice.
• Notes about audition video recordings
• Applicants are required to play section A, B and C, and perform these three sections in order and upload them separately.
• Tutti cuts are acceptable in all works.
• All recordings must be recorded with no editing, including both video and audio post-production.
• To ensure integrity and authenticity of 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 separate video recordings of each piece, and upload as separate files, labeled clearly with the applicant’s name and repertoire played in the video.
• If the applicant chooses to record multiple pieces in one recording session, the applicant may cut the recording into separate videos files to upload. However, J.S. Bach’s Sonatas 1, 2 or 3 must be performed continuously in one take and uploaded as one file.
• The recordings must have been produced within the 12 months prior to submission.
• Applicant’s hands and face must be in the frame at all times, and the same camera angle should be used throughout.
• Live performances with orchestra/ensemble are acceptable as long as the soloist is clearly audible and visible at all times.
• The media type of the audition video is YouTube, either solo performance or concerto with an orchestra/ensemble.

Post application submission

• Applicants will receive notification by email regarding whether they have been accepted into the competition or not no later than July 15, 2027. Invitations to the preliminary round will be sent to all qualified contestants which enable the contestant to apply for a U.S. visa and register on the day of the competition.
• The Organizing Committee will email the Commissioned Composition to all qualified contestants six weeks prior to the semi-final around.

• 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.
• 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 at the Award Ceremony constitutes forfeiture of the awards and prizes.
• It is the contestant’s full responsibility to handle any unexpected situations during the time of the competition.
• The Organizing Committee shall have the ultimate authority to interpret the Rules and Regulations of the competition and have the right to make any changes as necessary.
• 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

Internationally acclaimed as one of the most distinguished British violinists of his generation, Professor Rodney Friend has appeared worldwide as a soloist, chamber musician, concertmaster, director and pedagogue.

He became the youngest-ever leader of the London Philharmonic in 1964 and was invited by the New York Philharmonic to be the Concertmaster in 1975. Professor Rodney Friend has worked with many major conductors such as Bernstein, Boulez, Haitink, Barenboim, Solti and Giulini throughout his career. He received his MBE (Member of British Empire) for services to music from HRH Queen Elizabeth II in 2015.

Professor Rodney Friend has been a jury member of The International Violin Competition of Indianapolis, Sendai International Music Competition, Concours musical international de Montréal (CMIM), Seoul International Violin Competition, International Henryk Wieniawski Violin Competition, Conservatoire National Supérieur de Musique et de Danse de Paris Premiere Prix Panel Member, Benjamin Britten Violin Competition (Jury Chairman), and Carl Flesch International Violin Competition (Chairman).

Personal profile: https://www.rodneyfriend.co.uk/about

Jury Members: TBD

• Noble Mission: NTD International Violin Competition is solely dedicated to preserving and revitalizing European classical violin music — the splendid legacy of Western culture, and to bring 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.
• Unique Selection of Repertoire: All repertoire must be from the Baroque, Classical and Romantic periods.
• Shen Yun Symphony Orchestra: All 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 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 their concerts, and frequently records concertos with talented musicians, which are streamed on Shen Yun’s streaming platform, Shen Yun Creations.
• Live-streaming Broadcasting: 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: 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 for a featured interview and will be featured on NTD and The Epoch Times, as well as its affiliated publications and multiple social media platforms.
• Total Cash Awards: US$25,000

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 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 to the world the artistic essence and cultural values presented by Shen Yun.

What makes the NTD International Violin Competition special?

• Noble Mission: 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.
• Shen Yun Symphony Orchestra: All 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 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 their concerts, and frequently records concertos with talented musicians, which are streamed on Shen Yun’s streaming platform, Shen Yun Creations.
• Global Reach: 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 Piano Competition?

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

What is the application submission deadline?

All required application materials must be received by the Competition’s Organizing Committee by July 10, 2027. No late or incomplete applications will be accepted.

What is the age limit for contestants?

Competition is open to violinists, instructors, and students of all nationalities who are proficient with a broad violin repertoire. The contestants are required to be born after or on October X, 1998 and before or on October X, 2010. Specify the date once confirmed the venue.

How much is the application fee?

A nonrefundable application fee of US$150.00 shall apply.

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

Applicants will receive notification by email regarding whether they have been accepted into the competition or not no later than July 15, 2027. Invitations to the preliminary round will be sent to all qualified contestants, which enable the contestant to apply for a U.S. visa and register on the day of the competition.

When and how can I receive the Commissioned Composition?

The Organization 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 audition video?

The media type of the audition video is YouTube, either solo performance or concerto with an orchestra/ensemble.

May I submit a video recording in which a modern or contemporary composition was performed?

Absolutely not. The repertoire for video recording must be from the Baroque, Classical and Romantic periods. No Impressionism or 20th Contemporary composition is accepted.

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. Once a contestant submits an application, he or she agrees to all the rules and 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 a 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 US Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and file income tax accordingly.

If the winner is either a non-resident alien in the U.S. or a citizen from 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 by 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 communicate your questions with the Organizing Committee in the following ways.

• 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