Applications Open for Oberlin’s Cooper International Violin Competition

Open to violinists between the ages of 13 and 18, the Cooper Competition for Violin will take place between August 15-19, 2022, on the campus of Oberlin College and Conservatory in Ohio.

The first prize winner of this year's competition will not only receive a $20,000 first prize. Also included is a two-year partnership with MKI Artists that will include up to 10 concerto or recital engagements throughout the United States, exclusive rights for the world premiere and subsequent performances of a new six-minute work for violin and orchestra composed by Jeff Scott for a period of two years, as well as the use of a rare Italian violin loaned for a period of two years.

To apply for the competition, each contestant needs to submit a video that includes a Fugue from one of the Bach Sonatas, a Paganini Caprice, and the first movement of a major violin concerto. For the first time, lodging and meals for each participant will be provided by the competition at no charge, and eligible travel expenses will be reimbursed.

The final round of the competition will feature the three finalists performing a complete violin concerto with conductor Gerhardt Zimmermann and the Canton Symphony Orchestra.

The second round and concerto final round will both be live streamed live on The Violin Channel.

“It is a great thrill for all of us at Oberlin to welcome phenomenal young violinists back to campus this summer, and we are especially pleased to offer a prize package that surpasses any in the competition’s history,” said Sibbi Bernhardsson, professor of violin at Oberlin and director of the competition.

The 2022 jury will comprise Sibbi Bernharsson, Philip Setzer, Xie Nan, Danielle Belen, and John Zion.

Applications are to be received by May 1 and accepted contestants will be notified by May 15.

For more information, visit: https://bit.ly/3txDuCi

Founded in 2010 and sponsored by Thomas and Evon Cooper, the Cooper Competitions saw its 2020 and 2021 editions postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Former first prize winners include VC Young Artists Sirena Huang and Johan Dalene.