Stulberg International String Competition

Rules & repertoire

Registration & fee

• Apply online via Acceptd from 19 October 2026 through 1 February 2027, 23:59 EST. Violin, viola, cello and double bass applicants must be 19 or younger on 1 January 2027. Current pupils of the 2027 judges are ineligible. A date-of-birth document is required from selected semifinalists.
• Pay the non-refundable US$150 fee by credit card. Submit all materials in Acceptd. The published guidelines do not list recommendation letters. All applicants receive results by 15 March. Twelve semifinalists and four ranked alternates are selected.

Rounds & time limits

Video screening · one work · maximum 20 minutes

• Submit one unedited video recorded on or after 1 February 2026. Choose one or more movements of one substantial work originally written for your instrument with orchestra. A concerto, Bloch Shelomo, Tchaikovsky Rococo Variations or Ravel Tzigane can qualify. Use piano or live orchestra, omit long tuttis and remove all identifiers. Digital accompaniment and programmes over 20 minutes are disqualified. There is no minimum.

Semifinal · 14 May · Bach followed by the application piece

• After one approved solo Bach selection, perform the exact work and movements submitted for screening. Violin Bach options: Sonata 1 Fugue, Sonata 2 Grave, Sonata 3 Adagio, Partita 2 Sarabande and Gigue without repeats, or Partita 3 Loure without repeats and Gavotte en Rondeau.
• Viola/cello Bach: one prelude from Suites 2–6, or Suite 6 Gavotte and Gigue without repeats. Double bass uses the transposed Sterling edition: Suite 1 in C, both Menuettos and Gigue, or Suite 3 in G, both Bourrées and Gigue.

Final · 15 May · maximum 15 minutes

• Six finalists play movement(s) or a work different from the semifinal. Any extension beyond 15 minutes needs approval.

Repertoire

• Play from memory in every round. The organizer provides pianists and schedules rehearsals for 12–13 May. Semifinalists must attend the full 14–16 May residency, awards, final and masterclasses.

Source: Official dates and eligibility · stulberg.org · Application and video instructions · stulberg.org · Live rounds and Bach list · stulberg.org