Announcing the 2027 Primrose International Viola Competition

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Announcing the 2027 Primrose International Viola Competition

The American Viola Society and the Colburn School announce the 2027 Primrose International Viola Competition, to be held October 28-31 at the Colburn School in downtown Los Angeles, CA. The longest-running international competition for violists, the Primrose International Viola Competition has a long reputation for identifying emerging talent and launching the careers of some of the world’s most treasured stars of the viola.

The 2027 Primrose Competition will feature a newly commissioned work for solo viola by Sungji Hong, while the three finalists will perform Hindemith’s complete Der Schwanendreher with orchestra. Applications open on December 1, 2026, with a deadline of March 1, 2027. Twelve quarter-finalists will be invited to Los Angeles to compete.

Prizes include $8,000 for First Prize, $5,000 for Second Prize and $3,000 for Third Prize, as well as additional special prizes. The First Prize winner will also receive multiple recital opportunities and a three-year loan of the American Viola Society’s “Zanoli” viola.

A Primrose Festival featuring recitals, masterclasses, lectures, and workshops is being planned to accompany the competition programming.

For complete details, please visit www.primrosecompetition.org.