The AFA International Violin Competition is an international competition for violinists ages 21 and under, established in 2025 and held biennially in Johns Creek, GA, USA, during the AFA Summer Festival. The 2027 competition opens with a video round; the Semifinal and Final Rounds take place live on July 23–25, 2027.
Key dates: Round I videos due March 30, 2027 · Semifinalists notified by April 15, 2027 · Live rounds July 23–25, 2027
The AFA International Violin Competition is one of the most important competitions in the Southeast of the United States for young violinists. The competition consists of three rounds: a preliminary video round, a live semifinal, and a live final, performed before an international jury. The required repertoire includes solo works, works with piano, and a complete concerto, and Senior Division finalists premiere a new work commissioned for the 2027 competition.
More than $10,000 in cash prizes and other awards.
Senior Division: Grand Prize $5,000, a performance with orchestra, a solo recital, and a social media publicity package; 2nd Prize $2,000; 3rd Prize $1,000.
Junior Division: 1st Prize $1,000 and a full scholarship to the AFA 2028 Summer Festival; 2nd Prize $700 and a scholarship to AFA 2028; 3rd Prize $500 and a scholarship to AFA 2028.
All prizewinners in both divisions also take part in a masterclass. Joint winners are possible, in which case the cash prize is split. Special distinctions and prizes may also be granted by external institutions or donors. Additional prize details will be announced.
Open to violinists of all nationalities.
Junior Division (ages 14 and under)
Senior Division (ages 14–21)
Competitors who are 14 years old may enter either division, but may apply to only one.
Age is determined as of July 23, 2027.
Now open — Online application
March 30, 2027 — Round I video submission deadline
April 15, 2027 — Semifinalists notified
July 23–24, 2027 — Semifinal Round, Johns Creek, GA
July 25, 2027 — Final Round, Johns Creek, GA
The 2027 international jury is composed of renowned soloists and pedagogues: Cho-Liang Lin, Sibbi Bernhardsson, and Minjeong Suh.
Each division performs set repertoire across three rounds, from Handel, Bach, and Paganini to Mozart, Romantic showpieces, and a complete concerto.
The inaugural AFA Young Artist Competition, held in 2025, welcomed string players, wind players, and pianists from pre-colleges and conservatories across the United States and abroad. In 2027 the competition returns as the AFA International Violin Competition, dedicated to the violin.
Applications are now open. Round I video submissions are due March 30, 2027. Compete for more than $10,000 in cash prizes and other awards.
