11th International LOUIS SPOHR Competition | Young violinists

Founded in 1995 at the University of Music FRANZ LISZT Weimar, the International LOUIS SPOHR Competition | Young Violinists is an effective instrument for promoting highly gifted musicians. Focusing on talented young musicians up to the age of 21, it offers young talents the opportunity to attract the attention of an international jury at an early stage. Divided into three age categories and three preliminary rounds, the competition promises the best participants prizes totalling €16,000 as well as various special prizes.

The competition owes its name to the work of Louis Spohr (1784–1859) in Thuringia: the composer and violinist worked as concertmaster and conductor in Gotha, Erfurt and Nordhausen. He was not only one of the most important virtuosos of his era, but also a versatile educator and progressive organiser of urban musical life. Through his example, Louis Spohr gives young violinists an impression of what musical education is all about.
 

Why Weimar?

Come for the competition. Stay for the music. Discover Weimar.

Taking part in the Spohr Competition means more than performing in a competition. It is a chance to experience a city where music, history and artistic life come together - Weimar.

Weimar has been a place of musical innovation and education for generations. The city is closely connected with great musicians and composers, including Louis Spohr, whose name the competition carries. Today, this musical tradition continues at the University of Music Franz Liszt Weimar, where young musicians from around the world study, perform and meet one another.

During your time in Weimar, you can discover a university where music shapes everyday life: meet students and teachers from different musical disciplines, explore historic venues and experience the vibrant artistic atmosphere of a small city with an international musical community.

The Spohr Competition brings you to Weimar – but there are plenty reasons to stay and discover what the city and its music university have to offer.

Come for the competition. Discover Weimar as a place to listen, learn, connect and be inspired.
 

Competition Office

University of Music FRANZ LISZT Weimar
Wiebke Eckardt
Platz der Demokratie 2/3
99423 Weimar, Germany
Tel: +49 (0)3643 555 150
Email: spohr-wettbewerb(at)hfm-weimar.de

Organiser: University of Music FRANZ LISZT Weimar
Artistic Director: Prof. Dr. Friedemann Eichhorn
Organisational Director: Wiebke Eckardt
Participant Support: Annekathrin Knigge