XIII International Jean Sibelius Violin Competition

First round, May 19-21, 2025, Concert Hall, Sibelius Academy R-Building
Second round, May 23-25, 2025, Concert Hall, Sibelius Academy R-Building
Finals, May 27–29, 2025, Concert Hall, Musiikkitalo

The Jean Sibelius International Violin Competition has established itself as one of the most prestigious music competitions in the world. Founded in 1965, the competition is held every five years and is open to violinists aged 30 or under at the time of the competition. Since the first winner, Oleg Kagan, the winners of the first Sibelius Competition have made remarkable soloist careers. The nine-member jury of the XIII Jean Sibelius Violin Competition is chaired by conductor-violinist John Storgårds. 

First round

In the first rounds, the competitors will perform chamber music both with and without a pianist. The level of the competitors accepted to the Competition is high, which suggests interesting performances and excitement for the audience throughout the competition. Will someone take a place as a clear favourite already in the opening round? Who will we see in the semi-finals? 

The first rounds will be played in the acoustically excellent Sibelius Academy Concert Hall (Pohjoinen Rautatiekatu 9). The programme includes both compulsory and optional solo pieces, giving an excellent insight into the skills of each competitor (Bach, Ernst, Paganini, Sciarrino, Sibelius, Widmann).

XIII International Jean Sibelius Violin Competition: 1st First round
Monday, May 19, 2025, at 10:00 AM

XIII International Jean Sibelius Violin Competition: 2nd First round
Monday, May 19, 2025, at 5:00 PM

XIII International Jean Sibelius Violin Competition: 3rd First round
Tuesday, May 20, 2025, at 10:00 AM

XIII International Jean Sibelius Violin Competition: 4th First round
Tuesday, May 20, 2025, at 5:00 PM

XIII International Jean Sibelius Violin Competition: 5th First round
Wednesday, May 21, 2025, at 10:00 AM

XIII International Jean Sibelius Violin Competition: 6th First round
Wednesday, May 21, 2025, at 5:00 PM

Second round

In the semi-finals the competitors will perform chamber music both with and without a pianist. The audience will be treated to interesting performances as well as the exciting selection of finalists. Will the favourite from the preliminaries retain their position? Will someone surprise in the semi-finals? Will your favourite make it to the final?

The altogether six semi-final rounds will be played in the acoustically excellent Sibelius Academy Concert Hall (Pohjoinen Rautatiekatu 9). The compulsory piece in the programme is a work by composer Outi Tarkiainen, commissioned by the Sibelius Competition.

XIII International Jean Sibelius Violin Competition: 1st Second round
Friday, May 23, 2025, at 10:00 AM

XIII International Jean Sibelius Violin Competition: 2nd Second round
Friday, May 23, 2025, at 5:00 PM

XIII International Jean Sibelius Violin Competition: 3rd Second round
Saturday, May 24, 2025, at 10:00 AM

XIII International Jean Sibelius Violin Competition: 4th Second round
Saturday, May 24, 2025, at 5:00 PM

XIII International Jean Sibelius Violin Competition: 5th Second round
Sunday, May 25, 2025, at 10:00 AM

XIII International Jean Sibelius Violin Competition: 6th Second round
Sunday, May 25, 2025, at 5:00 PM

Finals

In the final round the participants play the Sibelius Violin Concerto, and one of five pre-selected concertos by the following composers: Unsuk Chin, Oliver Knussen, Magnus Lindberg and Kaija Saariaho.

All three final rounds will be performed with the Helsinki City Orchestra conducted by Pekka Kuusisto and the Radio Symphony Orchestra conducted by Dima Slobodeniouk. The audience will be treated to great interpretations and the thrilling conclusion of the competition. Was your favourite successfull? Who will be the winner of the whole competition?

XIII International Jean Sibelius Violin Competition: 1st Final
Tuesday, May 27, 2025 at 18:30 PM

XIII International Jean Sibelius Violin Competition: 2nd Final
Wednesday May 28, 2025 at 18:30 PM

XIII International Jean Sibelius Violin Competition: 3rd Final
Thursday May 29, 2025 at 18:30 PM