Cecil Aronowitz Viola Competition

Violists everywhere are invited to enter the second Cecil Aronowitz Viola Competition, taking place between 18 to 24 November 2017 in the new Birmingham Conservatoire building.

Organised by Birmingham Conservatoire, Birmingham City University and the British Viola Society, the winner will be awarded £5,000 along with a recording contract and a prize in collaboration with the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra.

Dedicated to Cecil Aronowitz (pictured), the South African violist and long-term collaborator with Benjamin Britten, the competition is open to applications from violists from anywhere in the world, at the age of 21 or under at the time of the competition.

1st Prize: The overall winner will be awarded

• A prize of £5,000
• Champs Hill Records Prize Recording contract
• City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra prize

2nd Prize

• Lionel Tertis Prize - £3,000

3rd Prize

• Gwyn Williams Trust Fund Prize - £1,000

Other Prizes include:

• Paul Ayres Prize: For the most promising competitor 15 years and under - a viola bow donated by Paul Ayres.
• Bishop Instruments and Bows Ltd. Prize: For the most outstanding performance of a sonata in round 3 - A viola bow.
• Fuller Music Prize: For the best performance of Kreisler pieces in Round 2 - £250.
• Noel Burke and Neil Ertz Memorial Prize: For the best performance of Bach in round 2 - £400.

Rules

1. All competitors must be age 21 or under at the time of the competition.
2. All competitors must be members of the British Viola Society. You can join.
3. Competitors of all nationalities are encouraged to apply.