Purpose
Bringing back the glory of classical violin masterpieces
Classical music elevates technique into beauty, discipline, and inner refinement
The NTD International Violin Competition celebrates the great violin masterpieces of the Baroque, Classical, and Romantic periods. With pure authenticity, pure goodness, and pure beauty, this centuries-old repertoire stands as a cultural treasure of humanity — to be cherished, performed, and passed on to future generations.
Why Participate
The competition offers violinists more than a performance opportunity. It is an international platform dedicated to the great Baroque, Classical, and Romantic repertoire — celebrating classical music as a cultural treasure to be performed, recognized, and passed on.
Mission & Repertoire
Take part in a competition dedicated to bringing renewed attention to the great violin masterpieces of the Baroque, Classical, and Romantic periods.
Finalist Opportunity
Finalists have the opportunity to work with Shen Yun Symphony Orchestra, whose musicians perform classical masterpieces and record concertos with talented artists.
Why Participate
Noble Mission
01
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.
Why Participate
Finalist Opportunity
02
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.
Why Participate
Global Broadcast & Promotion
03
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.
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.
Why Participate
Cash Awards
04
The competition offers total cash awards of US$22,000, including Gold, Silver, Bronze, and Best Rendition Awards for the commissioned composition.
Awards & Recognition
Awards honor violinists who demonstrate mastery of traditional technique, depth of musical understanding, and the ability to express beauty, dignity, and moral refinement through performance.
Gold Award
First Place
Recognizing outstanding artistry and classical mastery
10,000
Silver Award
Second Place
Honoring refined technique and expressive depth
6,000
Bronze Award
Third Place
Awarded for excellence in traditional violin performance
3,000
Best Rendition Awards
Commissioned Composition
Recognized for distinguished interpretation
3,000
Shared with audiences worldwide
Outstanding performances will reach audiences far beyond the concert hall
The final round is livestreamed through NTD and The Epoch Times platforms, giving viewers around the world the opportunity to experience the competition. Award winners may also be featured through interviews, affiliated publications, and social media channels.
NTD+
Award winners may receive featured interview opportunities and media promotion.
Featured Interviews
Worldwide Audience
0M
Global Broadcast
LIVE
Final round livestreamed through NTD and The Epoch Times platforms.
A distinguished work for the semi-final round
Commissioned Composition
NTD International Violin Competition is honored to have received permission from the world-renowned composer and Artistic Director of Shen Yun Performing Arts, Mr. D.F., to select and adapt one of his celebrated works as the Commissioned Composition for solo violin.
The Commissioned Composition carries forward the distinctive musical characteristics of Shen Yun. Rooted in traditional Chinese melodies, it draws upon the violin’s subtle expressiveness and depth within the Western classical tradition to convey the rich spiritual world and profound cultural heritage of traditional Chinese civilization, as well as humanity’s shared aspiration for the divine.
Through this unique fusion of Eastern and Western musical traditions, performers are invited to explore the work’s artistic possibilities and bring their own interpretation and expressive voice to it, contributing, in their own unique way, to the renaissance of traditional arts and culture.
Jury Panel
Contestants are evaluated by a jury appointed by the NTD Competition Organizing Committee. The jury is composed of world-class violinists and established violin educators, and its decisions are final.
Featured judge:
Professor
Rodney Friend
Jury Panel
Featured judge: Professor Rodney Friend, MBE
Professor Rodney Friend is one of the most distinguished British violinists of his generation, with an international career as a soloist, chamber musician, concertmaster, director, and pedagogue. He made his London debut performing the Sibelius Concerto with the Hallé Orchestra and his New York debut performing the Britten Concerto with the New York Philharmonic.
In 1964, he became the youngest-ever leader of the London Philharmonic Orchestra. He was later invited to serve as Concertmaster of the New York Philharmonic, performing and recording worldwide with conductors including Bernstein and Boulez. He also served as concertmaster of the BBC Symphony Orchestra, taught at the Royal College of Music, and later joined the Royal Academy of Music as Professor of Violin.
Professor Friend has appeared worldwide with major orchestras and conductors including Haitink, Barbirolli, Mehta, Leinsdorf, Solti, Giulini, Davis, and Boult. He formed the Solomon Trio in 1991, toured Europe extensively, and performed at venues including La Scala Milan. He has also authored major violin pedagogy works including The Orchestral Violinist and The Violin in 5ths. He received an MBE for services to music.
Additional jury members: TBD
Judging Standards
01
Traditional Authenticity
Forms must follow the traditional characteristics of the selected martial arts style. Contemporary competitive Wushu elements should not be included.
02
Correct Posture
Judges evaluate the accuracy of arms, eyes, head, body form, footwork, hand patterns, step patterns, and overall body movement.
03
Coordination & Power
The performance should show complete coordination of hands, eyes, body method, footwork, spirit, energy, strength, and kung fu.
04
Natural Movement & Breathing
Power should be relaxed and natural, without stiffness, forced strength, breath-holding, or disconnection between breathing and movement.
05
Martial Spirit & Etiquette
Contestants should demonstrate focus, courage, precision, rhythm, martial virtue, proper traditional attire, and respectful salutes before and after performance.
Apply Now
Join an international competition honoring classical mastery, noble expression,
and the enduring beauty of the violin tradition.