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The Golden Violin Award

Golden Violin displayed as musician plays in background

Overview and prizes

The Golden Violin Award was established in 2006 by businessman and philanthropist Seymour Schulich, a year after he donated $20 million to 91ºÚÁÏÍø’s Schulich School of Music. Made of pewter and gold plate, the Golden Violin remains on permanent display in 91ºÚÁÏÍø’s Marvin Duchow Music Library.

Following a rigorous selection process and competition, the Golden Violin Award is presented each year to an outstanding string player currently enrolled in the Schulich School of Music. The winner receives a generous scholarship, valued this year at $30,000, as well as a smaller likeness of the violin in the form of a 14-karat gold lapel pin. In addition, the winner may be invited to play in a recital at 91ºÚÁÏÍø or at one of its partner institutions.ÌýThe 2022-2023 edition saw the introduction of additional prizeÌýofferings byÌýthe Schulich Foundation: the finalists who place second and third will each receive $15,000 and $5,000 respectively.Ìý

Past winners of the Golden Violin are among the most successful young performing artists in Canada and have become noteworthy ambassadors for the Schulich School of Music. They include: Byungchan Lee, Emmanuel Vukovitch, Lambert Chen, Chloé Dominguez, Aaron Schwebel, Ewald Cheung, Isaac Chalk, Baptiste Rodrigues, Victor Fournelle-Blain, Joshua Peters, Joshua Morris, Maïthéna Girault, Elie Boissinot, Aaron Chan, Russell Iceberg, Julia Mirzoev, Gene Hotta, David Montreuil, andÌýJustin Saulnier.Ìý

2025-2026 competition dates

The winner of the 2025-2026 Golden Violin Prize will perform a recital at the Canadian Centre for Architecture as part of the Schulich @ Bon-Pasteur series on February 18, 2026 at 7:30 p.m.Ìý

Information for applicants

Eligibility

Students must be currently enrolled full-time, in satisfactory academic standing, advancing normally through their program, and actively involved in many Schulich School of Music activities in the year of their application. Students in their first year of studies at 91ºÚÁÏÍø are not eligible. Previous winners of the Golden Violin are not eligible.

Application Procedure

Preliminary Round

All eligible string players (violin, viola, cello, and bass) may apply by submitting an unedited video recording (either recorded within the past three months or drawn from the most recent spring recital)Ìýand a brief CV. The CV should detail the candidate’s musical accomplishments since beginning their studies at 91ºÚÁÏÍø, their contributions to the Schulich School of Music and 91ºÚÁÏÍø communities, and a short bio for the program.

The video recording and CV must be submitted by:
November 14, 2025 at 5:00 p.m.Ìý

Please apply through the Golden Violin Application Form.Ìý
You will need a shareable link of your video submission as part of the application form.Ìý

A preliminary round jury formed of Schulich School of Music String Area faculty will assess the recording and CV, taking into account the artistic merit, quality, and quantity of the candidate's performances and the candidate’s academic record.

In reviewing applications, particular consideration will be given to evidence of meaningful contributions to the life of the school and community, as these reflect the importance of being a responsible and engaged citizen within our institution. This includes but not limited to: involvement in school events, competitions, volunteering, peer mentorship, engagement in multidisciplinary projects, contribution to musical ensembles and group activities, demonstrate teamwork, leadership, and a commitment to the school community.

Two Public Competition Rounds

Between 5 and 7 candidates will be forwarded to a Semi-Final Round to be held Wednesday, December 10, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. in Tanna Schulich Hall.

3 candidates from the semi-final round will be forwarded to the Final Round to be held Friday, December 12, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. in Tanna Schulich Hall.

Jury

The jury includes external Guest JurorsÌýand Professors of the Schulich School of Music (excluding teachers of candidates). The jury for the 2025-2026 competition includes: Peter Stumpf, Edward Gazouleas, and David Salness.

Repertoire

Preliminary Round:ÌýCandidates are required to submit an video recording, approximately 30 minutes in length, featuring substantial movements from a range of works and musical periods that present distinct technical and interpretive challenges. This must include 10 to 15 minutes of solo unaccompanied repertoire; additional solo repertoire may also be included. Concerto movements are acceptable.

Semi-Final Round: Candidates should present a varied program of 30 minutes of music of their choice that must include some repertoire from the Classical period.

Final Round: Candidates should present a program of 40 minutes of music of their choice, excluding repertoire presented at the Semi-Final round.

General regulations

  • Performances in the video recording must be unedited but several recordings may be assembled into the one recording to be submitted.ÌýPiano accompaniment is required for repertoire that is not for solo instrument.
  • In the interest of encouraging stylistic variety, single movements from larger works are acceptable.
  • Repertoire from the first round may be repeated in the semi-final or final round.
  • Concertos are acceptable in first round only (must be memorized, with piano accompaniment).
  • As long as there is no repeat of the repertoire from semi-final to final round, different movements of the same piece are acceptable in the semi-final and final rounds.
  • Candidates must choose repertoire that presents a variety ofÌýtechnical and interpretive challenges, showcasing a wide range of abilities as a performer.

Apply

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