Four phases of performance display the broadest stylistic range of the violin over five centuries of masterworks:
In the PRELIMINARY phase at the Indiana Historical Society, Bach and
Paganini demonstrate technical and stylistic command, while a charming and
often rare encore piece from the Romantic period can reveal interpretive insights and a singing tone.
The SEMI-FINAL phase constitutes a complete recital and the challenge of
genuine chamber music-making to the sixteen finest players. The repertory
includes a Beethoven sonata, another major sonata, a brilliant virtuoso
piece, and a new work especially commissioned by the Competition.
The CLASSICAL FINAL phase presents six laureates in the magnificent
concertos of Haydn and Mozart. The performances with the Suzuki & Friends Chamber Orchestra, under the direction of Maestro Hidetaro Suzuki, are at
the Christel DeHaan Fine Arts Center at the University of Indianapolis.
During the ROMANTIC FINAL phase, the same six laureates perform the most
thrilling concertos of the 19th and 20th centuries with Maestro Michael Stern and the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra in the Hilbert Circle Theatre.
In each phase, emphasis is placed on providing ideal rehearsal and
performance conditions so that the highest level of musicianship can be
achieved. As Isaac Stern said on PBS, "The extraordinary reputation of the
'Indianapolis' rests in large part on the loving care shed on the young
artists who perform there."
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The repertory of the IVCI, because of its stylistic demands in four phases of performance, establishes a remarkably broad survey of the violin. The competition has also enlarged the violin repertory by reviving rarely performed works and by commissioning every four years one of the world's leading composers to write a new work. Joonas Kokkonen, Leon Kirchner, George Rochberg, Witold Lutoslawski, Ned Rorem, and Richard Danielpour have written outstanding works that challenge the virtuosity and musicianship of the young artists who first perform them. These commissioned works have also successfully entered the repertory of violinists throughout the world.
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The remarkable performances of the competition have been documented on national PBS telecasts, NPR broadcasts, and recordings released on CD's. Nightmusic, a CD of encore highlights of the 1994 competition reveal an uncommon level of artistry. Beethoven Live documents three Beethoven sonatas performed by laureates during the 1998 Competition. That these CD's are produced from live performances without any editing undoubtedly heightens their unique impact.
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The Juried Exhibition of Student Art, one of the state's most far-reaching multi-disciplinary art projects, is held in conjunction with the IVCI and involves more than
200 teachers and 32,000 students throughout Indiana. The Violin Competition also connects the young people of Indiana with the world. Thousands of Indiana students hear the young violinists through the "International Violinists in Schools" program, designed to give the students personal insight into the lives of the artists. Over 5,000 students benefit from this educational project as well as student field trips to the competition. Additionally, the International Forum on Violins gathers distinguished speakers to discuss stimulating topics on issues addressing health, career management, and the musical growth of violinists.
With the creation of the Laureate Series, former laureates return to Indianapolis annually to perform recitals and chamber music programs with Suzuki & Friends and the Ronen Chamber Ensemble. During their visit, they interact with the music community by providing masterclasses and educational outreach programs for music students, beginner through advanced.
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Virtually all the major newspapers in the United States and Canada carry articles about the competition, as well as several of the European and Asian press. In 1998, over 5,000 column inches of coverage were recorded by Burrelle's. More than 50 articles were published in national and international magazines including The Strad, Strings, American String Teacher, Classical Music, Musical America, and Symphony.
Seventy-seven newspapers with over 10 million in readership carried the story of the IVCI's acquisition of the Gingold Stradivari violin.
Electronic Media presence continues to grow as well: the last competition was covered by CNN Headline News, NBC's website, and The New York Times website. The IVCI reached over 10 million people through NPR's Performance Today coverage which was extended to Canadian and European networks.
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