Lichtenberg/Hof - International Violin Competition Henri Marteau

Overview

The International Violin Competition Henri Marteau, held every three years at the former residence of violinist Henri Marteau in Lichtenberg, Bavaria, Germany, is characterised by its welcoming and informal atmosphere. The finals, accompanied by the Hofer Symphoniker, take place in the Freiheitshalle in the nearby town of Hof, Bavaria. The competition is open to all violinists aged 25 or younger, with the exception of students of jury members: These are not eligible to participate. There are no preliminary rounds for the participation. All applicants have the opportunity to perform live for the competition jury.

History of competition

The International Violin Competition Henri Marteau has been held every three years since 2002 (with the exception of the 2020 season, which was cancelled due to the Covid pandemic). Founded by the association „Friends of Haus Marteau“, the competition was initially organized by them in 2002 and 2005. Since 2007, the district of Upper Franconia has taken over the responsibility for the competition, placing the Hofer Symphoniker in charge of the artistic and general administration.

The competition’s venues

The competition takes place in „Haus Marteau“ in Lichtenberg/Upper Franconia. Henri Marteau (1874-1934) spent the last 20 years of his life in this villa, where he held summer courses and taught young musicians. It was important to him and his successors that this musical spirit should remain alive. The Upper Franconian regional government has sought to do this by establishing an International Music Retreat, where music students receive tuition either individually or in small groups. Haus Marteau, with its brilliant facilities and its unique setting, has proved to be an exceptional venue for the competition. The historic building was extensively renovated in 2019/20. Among other renovations, a new concert venue was created alongside the villa.

Aims of the competition

The aim of the competition is to support young musicians by providing them with cash and non-cash prizes, the opportunity to meet internationally renowned violinists and a subsequent support programme including masterclasses and broadcast productions. The competition's media partner is the „Bayerischer Rundfunk“, which provides an ideal platform for the performances of the young musicians through extensive media coverage. Due to the large number of musically enthusiastic host families in Lichtenberg and the surrounding towns, participants do not have to pay for their accommodation during the competition. For those who prefer hotel accommodation, this can be arranged (at the participant's own expense).

Prizes

The following cash prizes are awarded:
First Prize: 10‘000 Euro
Second Prize: 7‘500 Euro
Third Prize: 5‘000 Euro

For 1st prize winner: CD production / Broadcast production with the Bayerischer Rundfunk

Special awards worth a total of 6,000 €

Former winners

Hawijch Elders. 2023
Lorenz Chen, 2017
Fédor Rudin, 2014
Tobias Feldmann, 2011
Andrey Baranov, 2008