NatPhil Solo Bach Competition 2021

National Philharmonic is excited to host its second Virtual Solo Bach Competition for violin, viola, cello, and bass students throughout the DC Metro Region. Students ages 10-18 are invited to submit videos of themselves performing works from the solo repertoire written by J.S. Bach for their instrument or a standard transcription. Submissions are now closed.

National Philharmonic principal string players will judge the first round of entires. Finalists will advance to a second round judged by special guest judges, including illustrious soloists Melissa White (violin) and Dana Kelley (viola), as well as cello and bass judges to be announced. Winners receive a $100 scholarship toward the 2022 NatPhil Summer String Institute and will have their video featured on NatPhil’s social media and website.

See the 2021 Winners

Submission Guidelines

Students ages 10-18 are encouraged to submit videos of movement(s) from the solo repertoire written by J.S. Bach for their instrument or a standard transcription – i.e. cello suites for viola. Entries will be categorized into two levels: Junior (ages 10-14) and Senior (ages 15-18). Eligibility is determined by age as of November 1, 2021. Students are welcome to participate regardless of previous participation, but they cannot submit the same repertoire as the previous year. They must submit a video of new movement(s) of solo Bach.

Requirements:

Junior Violin/Viola/Cello/Bass: Submit one movement of solo Bach.
Senior Violin/Viola/Cello: Submit two movements of solo Bach
Senior Bass: Submit one movement of solo Bach.

Time Limits:

Videos must be up to 6 minutes for one movement, or up to 10 minutes for two movements.

Student’s primary residence must be in one of the following:

Washington DC

Maryland:
Montgomery County
Carroll County
Howard County
Baltimore County
Frederick County
Baltimore City
Anne Arundel County
Virginia:
Fairfax County
Arlington County
Loudoun County
City of Alexandria
City of Falls Church

Submit your Video

The Solo Bach Competition is supported by a generous grant provided by Jill and Jim Lipton.

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