Primrose Competition

2027 Primrose International Viola Competition

October 28-31, 2027 | Colburn School, Los Angeles

The 18th Primrose International Viola Competition, co-presented by The Colburn School and the American Viola Society, will take place October 28–31, 2027, at the Colburn School in downtown Los Angeles, California. Featuring the world’s best and most promising young violists, all live rounds will be open to the public, with tickets going on sale in early 2027.

Applications for the competition open December 1, 2026, and close March 1, 2027. Please click here for more information and complete guidelines.

Twelve participants selected from the video pre-screening round will be invited to compete live in the Quarter-Final Round on October 28, 2027. Six competitors will advance to the Semi-Final Round on October 30, 2027. During the Final Round on October 31, 2027, three finalists will perform Hindemith’s Der Schwanendreher in its entirety with orchestra.

As one of the most renowned string instrument competitions in the world, the Primrose International Viola Competition highlights extraordinary emerging talent. In 2027, the 12 invited Quarter-Finalists will compete for cash prizes and awards totaling more than $18,000 USD, as well as performance invitations and other benefits. Internationally recognized and award-winning composer Sungji Hong will write a commissioned work to be performed during the quarter-final round.

In addition to competition-related programming, the American Viola Society will present a 2027 Primrose Festival featuring performances, masterclasses, lectures, workshops, and presentations by Primrose jurors and other invited guests, with more information to be released soon.

“The Primrose Competition is an inspirational occasion that illuminates brilliant young talent, and celebrates a distinctive instrument and its exceptional repertoire,” said Colburn School President and CEO Sel Kardan. “It is an honor to continue our partnership with the American Viola Society and co-present this special competition that pays homage to the esteemed legacy of William Primrose. We look forward to welcoming brilliant young violists from around the world for what promises to be an extraordinary week of performances.”

About the Primrose International Viola Competition®

Founded in 1979, the PRIMROSE INTERNATIONAL VIOLA COMPETITION®(PIVC) has established itself as a showcase for young musicians who have achieved world class excellence. One of the world’s most prestigious string competitions, it has established an impeccable track record of identifying the young talent of tomorrow. Since 2014, the PIVC has been co-presented by the American Viola Society and the Colburn School in Los Angeles. More information about past laureates and future competitions can be found at the official competition website.

Every six years, the American Viola Society holds a full 4-day AVS Festival in conjunction with the Primrose International Viola Competition and the American. The 2024 American Viola Society Festival will be the second such collaborative event, provided violists of every stripe to experience an unparalleled slate of viola offerings, including youth competitions, lectures, workshops, masterclasses, and much more, in addition to the Primrose live round competition.  Please mark your calendar and plan now to attend!

Beginning in 2024, the AVS institutes the Illumination Prize in the amount of $1000 for the best performance of a work by a BIPOC composer. If you would like to support our mission to promote the works of underrepresented composers, please click here.