The D’Addario String Prize Competition is the Festival’s premiere string competition. The recital competition is open to conservatoire students of Violin, Viola, Cello or Double  Bass. The recital must include two or three varied pieces taken from Concerto, Sonata, Showpiece or Solo repertoire, with a time limit of 15 minutes.

The Festival is grateful to D’Addario Orchestral for their generous sponsorship of the following prizes:

First Prize £500

Second Prize – £100 voucher *

Third Prize – £50 voucher *

* The vouchers awarded are to be used to buy D’Addario products at special festival prices. Winners will be given these prices with their prize vouchers.

The 2021 competition will be online, with entrants submitting a video of their performance rather than performing live. Every entrant will receive a written adjudication sheet and a certificate of participation. All entrants will be invited to a Zoom meeting on Sunday 16th May to hear a general adjudication and selected performances.

The closing date will be Friday 16th April.

The prize will be awarded not only for the performance of a balanced and well-designed programme. Entrants will find themselves adjudicated not only on the depth of their musicianship but also on how they present themselves. A verbal introduction to the musical programme is an integral part of the performance.

Adjudicator – Tasmin Little

Entry fee £30

We have a new system for entries. Please click on the link below for how to apply and for hints on creating an effective video performance. The first time that you use the new entry system, you will need to register. Entrants must also upload copies of the music.

If an entrant has been a pupil of the Adjudicator in the six-months prior to the Festival, they should contact the Section Head before entering.

To  see videos from 2018 and 2019 competitions, click the ‘read more’ link below.