The Kosciuszko Foundation Wieniawski Violin Competition was established in 1969 to provide exceptional young musicians with a platform to advance their artistic careers, expand their musical horizons, and deepen their engagement with the repertoire of Polish composers. It celebrates the extraordinary artistry of Henryk Wieniawski — whose virtuosic performances and compositions have inspired generations of violinists worldwide.
The 2026 Competition will be held under the artistic direction of Adrian Sylveen, an internationally active conductor and violinist, who will also serve on the jury. He will be joined by Philip Setzer, founding member of the Grammy Award–winning Emerson String Quartet and a leading figure in chamber music performance and education, and Joanna Kurkowicz, an acclaimed soloist, chamber musician, and concertmaster known for her international career and recordings.
Who Can Apply: Violinists of all nationalities/ Ages 16–30; U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or individuals on valid U.S. visas. Applicants must demonstrate outstanding musicianship and a passion for performance and artistic growth
Competition Highlights: $20,000 in monetary prizes, Performance awards and additional recognition
We invite all eligible violinists to apply and share this announcement with young musicians, teachers, and supporters of classical music. Your engagement helps sustain and enrich a tradition of artistic excellence that resonates across borders and generations.
Tickets: www.kfwieniawski.org
