About
A tribute to the golden-age masters of violin playing
Mission
The New Tang Dynasty (NTD) International Violin Competition is one in a series of international cultural and arts events sponsored by New Tang Dynasty Television. Its mission is to uphold traditional arts of pure authenticity, pure goodness and pure beauty, while honoring the golden age of violin playing through the timeless masterpieces of the Baroque, Classical and Romantic periods.
Through its commitment to artistic excellence, the competition aims to ensure that the centuries-old legacy of the violin repertoire continues to flourish. We regard this body of work as a cultural treasure of humanity, to be preserved, cherished and passed on to future generations. The competition also encourages emerging violinists to develop a beautiful, singing tone, with attention to sound quality and emotional depth as well as technique.
Organizer
New Tang Dynasty Television (NTD) was founded in New York in 2001 as the world’s first global, independent, non-profit Chinese-language television network established by overseas Chinese. It began satellite broadcasting in North America in February 2002 and expanded its 24/7 programming to Asia, Europe and Australia in July 2003.
NTD produces content in many languages, including English, French, Spanish, Russian, Hebrew, Korean, Japanese and Vietnamese, connecting with around 100 million viewers and more than 70 million social media followers.
Since 2007, NTD has run a global series of competitions reviving world and Chinese traditional culture, spanning classical Chinese dance, vocal, fashion, culinary arts, martial arts, violin, piano, painting and photography. NTD is also the exclusive television media sponsor of Shen Yun Performing Arts.
Commissioned Composition
The competition is honored to have received permission from the world-renowned composer and Artistic Director of Shen Yun Performing Arts, Mr. D.F., to select and adapt one of his celebrated works as the Commissioned Composition for solo violin.
The piece carries forward the distinctive musical character of Shen Yun. Drawing on the rich melodic heritage of traditional Chinese music and the expressive depth of the violin in the Western classical tradition, it conveys the spiritual world and cultural heritage of traditional Chinese civilization and humanity’s shared aspiration for the divine, blending the musical traditions of East and West.
Awards & Recognition
Awards honor violinists who show mastery of traditional technique, depth of musical understanding, and the ability to express beauty, dignity and moral refinement through performance.
Winners must accept their awards in person at the Award Ceremony. Prize tax depends on nationality; see the FAQ.
Jury Panel
Contestants are evaluated by a jury of world-class violinists and established violin educators appointed by the NTD Competition Organizing Committee. Its decisions are final.
Featured Judge
Professor Rodney Friend, MBE
One of the most distinguished British violinists of his generation, Professor Friend has had an international career as soloist, chamber musician, concertmaster, director and pedagogue. He made his London debut with the Sibelius Concerto and the Hallé Orchestra, and his New York debut with the Britten Concerto and the New York Philharmonic.
In 1964 he became the youngest-ever leader of the London Philharmonic Orchestra, and he later served as Concertmaster of the New York Philharmonic, working with Bernstein and Boulez, and of the BBC Symphony Orchestra. He has taught at the Royal College of Music and the Royal Academy of Music, and is the author of The Orchestral Violinist and The Violin in 5ths.
Additional jury members to be announced.
