Hudson Valley Philharmonic
String Competition

The Hudson Valley Philharmonic String Competition Committee, chaired by Barbara Van Itallie, has announced the 39th annual string competition.

Saturday March 12, 2011 9am-5pm
First Round Auditions. Open to the public
No charge.

Sunday March 13, 2011 3pm.
Three finalists perform in a recital. A reception follows. Open to the public. No charge, but donations welcome.

The competition began in 1966 under the direction of Maestro Claude Monteux, then the HVP artistic director/conductor. It was originally started as a way to find string players for the orchestra. The competition has always attracted some of the finest conservatory string players in the world. Many former winners have gone on to illustrious classical music careers. Previous notables include: violist Marcus Thompson '67 (Boston Chamber Players), cellist Fred Sherry '68, violinist Ani Kavafian '73 (Lincoln Center Chamber Players soloist), violinist Adela Pena '85 (Eroica Trio), violinist Judith Ingolfsson ’96 (1998 Indianapolis International Violin Competition winner).

The prize includes a $3,000 First Prize and a solo performance with the Hudson Valley Philharmonic (HVP). The competition is steep and the winners have very promising careers ahead of them. This string competition gives the public a rare opportunity to hear and see some of the best young violinists, cellists, and violists in the world, before their careers have even begun.

Volunteer Opportunities

The organizing committee is always seeking help with housing the participants, publicity, fund-raising, reception planning and general assistance during the competition weekend. If you are interested in volunteering contact HVPStrings@yahoo.com.

Photo: Dahae Kim is the 2010 Competition winner and she will be performing with the Hudson Valley Philharmonic on November 20, 2010 @ 8pm.

This event is sponsored by the Rhinebeck Savings Bank, and WMHT. Also made possible by the Dr. Jeffrey Perchick Memorial Fund of the Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley.