Concert of the finalist/finalist of the 17th Henryk Wieniawski International Violin Competition

The Henryk Wieniawski International Violin Competition is one of the oldest, most prestigious and demanding music tournaments in the world. Once every five years, the eyes of the artistic community turn to Wielkopolska to follow the birth of new cellist stars. For young virtuosos, this event is an invaluable pass to a career on a global scale, record contracts and concerts on the most renowned stages. Together with the NFM Leopoldinum Chamber Orchestra, one of the finalists of the 17th edition of the competition will perform. The artists will be led by Karolina Podorska.

Multistage competition traditionally obliges participants to present an extremely diverse and difficult repertoire. During the auditions, the audience has the opportunity to admire performances of both minor forms and canonical violin concertos presented in the finale together with the orchestra — including expressive works by the patron saint of the competition. The performances of young talents are judged by an international jury composed of outstanding soloists, experienced educators and authorities of the world of music. This year, Bartłomiej Nizioł, the winner of the Poznań tournament in 1991, will be presided over by the group.

The history of the competition dates back to 1935. The initiator of his organization — to celebrate the hundredth anniversary of the composer Henryk Wieniawski's birth — was his nephew, Adam Wieniawski. The first edition, held in Warsaw, was won by the Frenchwoman Ginette Neveu, and the second place went to the legendary Dawid Ojstrakh. Another was thwarted by the cataclysm of World War II. The idea was returned in 1952, moving the event to Poznań, where it has been held regularly every five years ever since. For decades, the competition has become the cradle of dozens of recognized virtuosos and a magnet for the most outstanding talents. The joint performance of the finalist of the tournament with the NFM Orchestra Leopoldinum is another beautiful chapter in the rich history of this festival of violin music.