For seventeen days every four years, Indianapolis
is the most important place to be if you are a rising violin talent.
Fifty of the world's brightest talents come here to perform some of
the most beautiful music ever written before enthusiastic audiences.
The repertory of the IVCI
establishes an especially broad survey of the violin at performances
throughout the city including the Indiana Historical Society,
Christel DeHaan Fine Arts Center and Hilbert Circle Theatre, where
finalists perform with the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra. "Violin
fever" describes this "truly remarkable violin experience," according
to the London-based magazine The Strad.
After the debut of the International Violin Competition
of Indianapolis in 1982, it was recognized by the World
Federation of International Music Competitions, headquartered
in Geneva, Switzerland. It is the only violin competition so recognized
in North America. Under the guidance of Thomas J. Beczkiewicz,
Founding Director, and the late Josef
Gingold, who had served on the juries of every major violin
competition in the world, the IVCI became known by the musical
and media communities as one of the world's most compelling competitions.
In 1994, the leadership of this competition passed from Gingold
to his most famous pupil, Jaime
Laredo, one of the master musicians of our time. It has continued
to attract the most distinguished jurors and the most talented
applicants in the world, and it includes unique prize packages.
Perhaps the most astonishing prize for an aspiring concert artist
is the loan of the 1683 ex-Gingold Stradivari violin and Tourte
bow, which are made available to one of the laureates for the
four years following the competition.
"The Indianapolis" was designed to heighten the
non-competitive aspects of the contest. This festival of the violin
focuses on opportunities available to all participants: the chance
to perform before large audiences; to measure one's musical progress
against the standards of a distinguished jury and the artistry
of other talented players; and to enjoy career seminars during
the competition.
Since 1982, Indianapolis has hosted five Competitions.
Musicians and music lovers from all parts of the world focus their
attention on Indianapolis and the International Violin Competition,
regarded as the Western Hemisphere's "Olympics of the Violin."
The Competition is a unique showcase for the world's most
gifted young violinists and a demonstration of Hoosier hospitality
and American volunteerism.
Each Competition generates significant national
and international media coverage for the artists and the area.
The financial support of individuals, corporations, foundations
and local government and the physical support of hundreds of volunteers
make this event possible. The influence of the Competition continues
through the performances of its winners for years afterward in
cities of the world far from Indianapolis. Those who win uphold
the tradition of quality and excellence which has made the International
Violin Competition of Indianapolis one of the most prestigious
music competitions in the world.
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