Applications Closing for the International Violin Competition City of Bogotá

Up to 20 participants will be selected for the live rounds in Bogotá, with all-expenses-paid travel

Colombia’s inaugural 2025 Bogotá International Violin Competition will be held from October 31 to November 7, at the Auditorio Fabio Lozano and the Teatro Mayor Julio Mario Santo Domingo. The competition is open to violinists of all nationalities up to the age of 30.

The jury will include Lucie Robert (President), Lee-Chin Siow, Silvia Marcovici, Birgit Kolar, Alexis Cárdenas, and Leticia Moreno.

"I am deeply honored to be appointed President of the Jury for the inaugural International Violin Competition City of Bogotá," Lucie Robert told The Violin Channel. "It is a privilege to be part of this exciting new chapter for classical music in Colombia, and I accept this role with great responsibility and enthusiasm. I look forward to supporting the next generation of violinists and celebrating their artistry on an international stage."

The application deadline is May 31 at 5 PM Colombia time. For more information and to apply, click here. Required documentation includes an audition video, a CV, and a motivation letter, among others.

From the Preliminary Round, up to 20 participants will be selected for the live rounds in Bogotá, from October 31 to November — with all-expenses-paid travel.

Three candidates will be chosen for the Final, where they will compete for the $30,000 USD First Prize; $20,000 Second Prize; and the Special Prize for the Commissioned Work Performance valued at $20,000.

The top prize winner will play a concert in the 2026 season of the Bogotá Philharmonic Orchestra.

"The Bogotá International Violin Contest is an initiative of unique character in Latin America that is intended to promote excellence in violin interpretation and offer a platform that can strengthen the musical ecosystem in Bogotá," competition organizer Santiago Trujillo told The Violin Channel.

The commissioned work for the competition will be announced in July 2025 and exclusively provided to the 20 participants selected for the live rounds in Bogotás. Additionally, all participants will have the chance to give masterclasses for up to 10 young violinists.

"Every competition is an opportunity to perform, to be heard, and to grow as an artist," Robert added. "What makes this competition especially compelling is its generosity and scope: we will welcome 20 selected competitors to Bogotá with all expenses covered—a rare and meaningful support for young musicians. Beyond the monetary prizes, the winners will be offered valuable performance opportunities across South America, providing crucial exposure and experience in a vibrant and musically rich region.

"My hope is that each of the 20 competitors arrives in Colombia ready to fully dedicate themselves to their performances," she concluded. "When their moment comes, I want them to become one with the music—to feel inspired, to take risks, and to forge a genuine connection with the audience."