About Classic Violin Olympus
Classic Violin Olympus is a revolutionary new competition that aims to transform the landscape of musical contests and provide a global platform for exceptional violinists of all ages and nationalities. Helmed by president Konstantin Ishkhanov and artistic director Pavel Vernikov, this extraordinary event offers a total prize fund of €310,000 and will take place in Dubai from April 22 to April 28, 2025, offering violinists around the world an unparalleled opportunity to shine on the international stage, compete for prestigious awards and propel their career to new heights.
The competition seeks to redefine traditional music contests with a groundbreaking programme held in prominent music capitals worldwide. It begins in 2024 with a unique preselection process across six iconic cities: Tokyo, Vienna, New York, London, Rome, and Dubai. These initial contests will provide a platform for emerging talent, each offering a prize fund of €35,000. Audiences can look forward to breathtaking performances from the top two contestants from each location, who are invited to compete in the Grand Finale.
Once in Dubai, the finalists will participate in an intense six-phase competition. They will perform in front of a distinguished 23-member jury comprised solely of leading conductors, directors of renowned orchestras, and festival organisers. Contestants will showcase their artistry through a series of performances, beginning with orchestral works alongside the Madrid Philharmonic Orchestra and Armenian State Symphony Orchestra. They will also engage in a concertmaster challenge, lead the orchestra, and perform Beethoven’s Triple Concerto for Violin, Cello, and Piano alongside acclaimed soloists Simon Trpceski and Alexander Chaushian and a full orchestra. Additionally, contestants will interpret a piece by a contemporary composer, perform a solo encore, and participate in a Q&A session with the jury, providing insight into their artistic processes and personalities.
All 12 finalists will receive a €10,000 prize, while the champion will be awarded a spectacular €200,000 grand prize. Beyond the monetary rewards, the competition also offers invaluable opportunities for exposure and career advancement, as jurors will select finalists for future performance engagements. The performances will be broadcast throughout the entire competition, supported by major media partners such as Euronews, Medici.tv, The Violin Channel, and Bachtrack.
The 12 finalists competing in the Classic Violin Olympus Grand Finale 2025 in Dubai have now been selected. These talented musicians, representing Armenia, China, Poland, Austria, Switzerland, Japan, Sweden, the USA, and South Korea, have successfully advanced through the rigorous preliminary phase and are ready to showcase their skills on the global stage.