Who is eligible: Registered members of Amati and Stradivari Players
Application deadline: October 26, 2026
Competition dates: November 23, 2026
To apply: Apply online or download an application form.
VAM presents its second annual VAM Amati and Stradivari Players Concerto Competition providing an opportunity for two soloists of each ensemble to perform a movement of a concerto with the Amati or Stradivari Players.
VAM will ensure that the competition is impartially and professionally conducted with a two-person adjudication panel consisting of experienced musicians with no affiliation with the competing musicians.
Eligibility
Eligible students:
-are currently members in good standing of VAM Amati or Stradivari Players;
-are not winners of the 2025/26 Amati and Stradivari Players Competition in the same ensemble category for which they are applying. Winners may apply for a different ensemble category, provided they meet the eligibility requirements;
Dates
Application Deadline: October 26, 2026, 11:59pm
Competition: November 23, 2026
Students will receive notice of their specific time slot following the application deadline.
Performance date: May 29, 2027, 7pm | Koerner Recital Hall
Repertoire
-The selection must be one movement of the repertoire listed in the link below:
Amati & Stradivari Players Concerto Competition – Repertoire List
-Repertoire selections must not exceed 15 minutes in duration.
–Selections must meet all length, orchestration, and proficiency requirements.
-Works that include supplementary orchestration (winds, brass, percussion) are permitted; if selected as a winner, the repertoire will be adapted for string ensemble configuration.
-Repertoire approval will be confirmed within three (3) business days of the application deadline.
-If the selected repertoire requires performance licensing or copyright clearance, the student is responsible for any associated costs if chosen as a winner and invited to perform.
Competition Rules
1. Students must perform on the instrument they currently play in Amati or Stradivari Players.
2. Students must provide 2 copies of the solo part or piano reduction for the adjudication committee (photocopies are permitted).
3. Performers must perform from memory.
4. Performers must perform with and provide their own pianist.
5. The competition phase is closed to the public with the exception of the parent/guardian and teacher of the student performing; no video or audio recording permitted.
6. All applications must include a non-refundable $65 application fee.
7. For each ensemble (Amati Players and Stradivari Players), one winner will be chosen from the upper strings (violin) and one from the lower strings (viola, cello, and double bass). The winners will perform their concertos with their respective ensembles at the spring concert.
8. If a winner is unable to perform on their assigned performance date or withdraws from the ensemble following the competition, their solo performance opportunity will be forfeited and they will not be permitted to re-enter the following year.
9. If the selected repertoire requires performance licensing or copyright clearance, the student is responsible for any associated costs if chosen as a winner and invited to perform.
10. The winner must perform the same repertoire selection that they competed with.
11. By applying to the competition, the student and parent/guardian agree that any resulting recordings from the winner’s performance with VAM Amati and Stradivari Players may be used for VAM’s promotional purposes.
Apply
The VAM Amati and Stradivari Players Concerto Competition is open to VAM students only. Please log in to your account to apply.