We are pleased to announce the 14th annual Henry Schwab Violin & Viola Competition! Please read the information and requirements carefully, then scroll down to the application. Please email us with any questions:
vcschwab@vcccd.edu.
Application deadline: Saturday, April 6, 2024 - Midnight
Preliminary Round: Saturday, April 13, 2024 (arranged time-slots)
Competition Finals:
Saturday, July 20 (Category A) and Sunday, July 21 (Category B)
(See required rehearsals below)
ELIGIBILITY:
The Henry Schwab Violin & Viola Competition is open to students of any age that meet the following eligibility requirements:
- Applicant must be at least age 8 and no more than age 23 on the date of the final competition.
- Applicant must be a registered resident of Ventura County or Santa Barbara County –OR– currently studying with a teacher who is a resident of Ventura County or Santa Barbara County who is recognized by the HSV&VC board as an established prominent
string instructor –OR– enrolled in the 2024 Schwab Summer Academy of Music (All 2024 Schwab Summer Academy participants are eligible to apply and compete in
the competition regardless of residency).
- To be eligible, All applicants must perform live in front of the judges at the Ventura College Performing Arts Center during the scheduled Preliminary Round on Saturday, April 13.
- Applicant must be available for all required rehearsals (As outlined in "Important Dates" section)
- Applicant must be available for rehearsal and the entire final competition period (Saturday, July 20 for Category A and Sunday, July 21 for Category B).
CATEGORY OPTIONS:
There are two categories of competition. Category A contestants will perform a full concerto of their choosing from memory in the competition's final round on July 20. Category B contestants will perform a concerto movement of their
choosing (see repertoire requirements) at the final
competition on July 21. Category B musicians may use sheet music in the final round. All contestants will also prepare a movement from a J.S. Bach Sonata or Partita to be performed at the Preliminary Round only.
AWARDS:
Category A: 1st prize: $2000 // 2nd prize: $1500 // 3rd prize: $1000
Category B: 1st prize: $1000 // 2nd prize: $750 // 3rd prize $500
PRELIMINARY AUDITIONS
For the April 13 Preliminary Auditions all contestants will arrange their own piano accompanist. Selections may be performed with sheet music for the preliminaries. Auditions will be scheduled between 8am – 4pm.Repertoire requirements:
At the April 13 preliminaries, Category A contestants will perform one movement from the
multi-movement concerto which they have chosen to perform at the finals (should they advance). For the preliminary round only, contestants will also play one movement from J.S Bach’s sonatas or partitas for solo violin; (violas may choose a movement from J.S. Bach’s cello suite.)
At the April 13 preliminaries, Category B contestants will perform single movement which they will
perform at the finals, should they advance. Selections should be from the 17th or 18th century, though 19th or 20th century selections may be approved by the Competition's administration. For the preliminary round only, contestants will also play one movement from J.S Bach’s sonatas or partitas for solo violin; (violas may choose a movement from J.S. Bach’s cello suite.)
Each contestant must e-mail a .pdf of their chosen Bach Sonata/Partita movement and chosen Concerto Movement to vcschwab@vcccd.edu by the application deadline.
COMPETITION FINALS
NOTE: All finalists will be asked to meet with the conductor before the first rehearsal.
Required Rehearsals CATEGORY A:
- Wednesday, July 17, 2024, 5:30 - 8:30pm (50 minute time slots TBD)
- Saturday, July 20, 2024, 12:00-3:00pm rehearsal; 4:00pm downbeat
Required Rehearsals CATEGORY B:
- Thursday, July 18, 2024, 5:30 - 8:30pm (30 minute time slots TBD)
- Sunday, July 21, 2024, 12:00-3:00pm rehearsal; 4:00pm downbeat
