RAVANELIUS STRADIVARI
INTERNATIONAL VIOLIN COMPETITION
Artistic Director Igor Petrusevski Competition Director Dragan Djordjević
Languages
ANTONIO STRADIVARI VIOLIN
The Grand Prix Winner
The Grand Prix winner, chosen from the winners of three categories, will be granted the honour of performing on an Antonio Stradivari violin.
A Stradivarius violin is kindly placed at the artist’s disposal for selected concerts and recording projects over the course of one year, generously loaned by the world's leading expert Florian Leonhard.
The Grand Finale: A Symphony of Talent
The culmination of the entire competition unfolds in Belgrade at the prestigious Kolarac Endowment, presenting a spectacular Gala Concert.
Competition Finale
Accompanied by the esteemed RTS Symphony Orchestra.
Performances
Featuring captivating acts from our talented winners and special guest artists.
Awards Ceremony
Celebrating excellence and honouring the top performers.
Official Ceremony
A formal event attended by distinguished guests and patrons of the arts.
A Natural Continuation of Five Decades of Artistic Excellence
The Ravanelius Stradivari Music Competition is an international classical music competition developed as a natural continuation of over five decades of artistic excellence rooted in the city of Ćuprija. The competition is organized in collaboration with local cultural institutions, renowned music academies, and international partners dedicated to promoting classical music talent worldwide:
Cultural Institution Ćuprija
As the project's developer and implementer, the Cultural Institution Ćuprija stands at the forefront, leveraging its deep local roots and commitment to fostering artistic growth within the community.
School for Musical Talents in Ćuprija
A vital educational and institutional partner, the School for Musical Talents provides an unparalleled foundation of musical training, nurturing young artists and enriching the competition with its pedagogical expertise.
Municipality of Ćuprija
Serving as a long-term supporter and official institutional partner, the Municipality of Ćuprija offers crucial backing, affirming the competition's significance to the region's cultural landscape.
MUSIC & ART LIMITED
This international strategic partner is instrumental in the global development, organisation, and worldwide visibility of the project, ensuring a broad and impactful reach for the competition.
RTS Symphony Orchestra
One of Serbia's premier orchestras, the RTS Symphony Orchestra elevates the artistic value of the competition with its exceptional quality and provides a magnificent backdrop for the final performances.
Kolarac Endowment
A beacon of cultural heritage, the Kolarac Endowment in Belgrade hosts the third and final stage of the competition, offering a prestigious venue befitting the grand finale.
Cello Fest
With over 20 years of tradition, Cello Fest is an internationally recognised festival presenting strong artistic and international credentials, contributing its expertise as a key strategic partner.
SCHOOL FOR MUSICAL TALENTS – ĆUPRIJA
Founded in 1973, the School for Musical Talents in Ćuprija represents one of the most respected music education institutions in the region.
For more than 50 years, the school has:
- educated exceptionally gifted students,
- developed a highly specialized system of musical training,
- collaborated with leading professors and academies,
- produced artists active on international stages.
MUNICIPALITY OF ĆUPRIJA
The Municipality of Ćuprija has consistently invested in culture as a strategic development priority. Officially founded in 1215 under the name Ravno, later recorded by Crusaders as Ravenelle, Ćuprija stands on a territory continuously inhabited since prehistoric times, from the Neolithic Vinča culture through the Roman city of Horreum Margi, to its present role as a center of cultural and artistic heritage.
Hosted Renowned Artists
Mischa Maisky, Gautier Capuçon, David Geringas, Steven Isserlis, Daniel Müller-Schott, Jiří Kout, Jonathan Gilad, Nikola Anđelić
Founded & Developed
The Ravanelius Festival
Supported Excellence
Young talents and international artistic exchange
The Ravanelius Stradivari Violin Competition is a direct continuation of this long-term cultural policy.
RTS Music Production & Radio Television Symphony Orchestra
As a cornerstone of Serbian cultural broadcasting and artistic performance, RTS Music Production and its renowned RTS Symphony Orchestra are invaluable strategic partners for the Ravanelius Stradivari Music Competition.
RTS Symphony Orchestra
Elevates the artistic stature of the competition, providing a magnificent and professional accompaniment for the Grand Finale Gala Concert, showcasing the finalists' talents to a national audience.
RTS Music Production
Ensures comprehensive media coverage, recording, and broadcasting of the competition, extending its reach and impact across the region and beyond, solidifying its place in the international music landscape.
Their expertise in music production and live performance is critical to delivering a world-class event and promoting classical music talent.
Kolarac Endowment
The Kolarac Endowment, Belgrade’s most important classical music venue, is a venerable institution with a long tradition of supporting arts and culture. As a crucial strategic partner, it provides a prestigious setting for the final stage of the competition.
Known for its historic ambiance and exceptional acoustics, Kolarac offers an inspiring platform for young talents to perform, while its longstanding commitment to musical excellence further elevates the competition’s prestige.
Prestigious Venue
The host of the Grand Finale Gala Concert, providing an iconic stage for the competition's climax.
Acoustic Excellence
Renowned for its superior sound quality, ensuring an unparalleled experience for performers and audience alike.
Cultural Landmark
A beacon of Belgrade's cultural heritage, attracting distinguished artists and audiences for decades.
CELLO FEST STRATEGIC PARTNER
A Festival with a 20-Year Tradition
Cello Fest is an international music festival with:
- over 20 years of continuous activity,
- 15 realized editions,
- strong international reputation,
- cooperation with leading soloists, orchestras, and pedagogues,
- significant educational and artistic impact.
Cello Fest – International Artists
Throughout its history, Cello Fest has hosted some of the most prominent names of the international classical music scene, including:
Distinguished Soloists
Mischa Maisky, Gautier Capuçon, David Geringas, Steven Isserlis, Daniel Müller-Schott, Jiří Kout, Jonathan Gilad, Nikola Anđelić
Renowned Orchestras
La Scala Philharmonic Orchestra, Prague Symphony Orchestra, Virtuosi Italiani
INTERNATIONAL DIMENSION & PROFESSIONAL NETWORK
The competition is connected with leading international professionals and institutions, and the jury will include:
- internationally recognized performers,
- professors from leading music academies and conservatories,
- representatives of major international artist management agencies, including:
This structure enables selected participants to gain genuine international exposure, professional recognition, and concrete career development opportunities.
Meet the Esteemed Jury
The Ravanelius Stradivari International Violin Competition is proud to feature a distinguished panel of international experts, pedagogues, and artists.
Zakhar Bron
Legendary violin pedagogue and acclaimed professor, renowned for shaping generations of outstanding musicians.
Igor Petrushevski
Internationally active violinist and artistic leader, bringing both artistic excellence and strategic vision.
Sergey Kravchenko
Highly respected violinist and pedagogue with extensive international experience as a performer and teacher.
Florian Leonhard
World-leading expert in fine string instruments, bringing exceptional prestige and authority in instrument expertise.
Michael Gutman
Renowned violinist, artistic director, and cultural entrepreneur, known for leading major music festivals.
Gary Levinson
Internationally recognized violinist, concertmaster pedagogue and artistic director of the Chamber Music Society of Fort Worth.
Danijela Jović
Director of the School for Musical Talents in Ćuprija, dedicated to developing young musical talent.
Awards & Opportunities
The Ravanelius Stradivari Violin Competition offers a comprehensive suite of awards designed to elevate the careers of promising musicians, providing crucial visibility and professional pathways.
Grand Prix: Stradivarius Performance
The ultimate prize: an exclusive opportunity to perform on a Antonio Stradivari violin for selected concerts and recording projects for one year, generously loaned by world-leading expert Florian Leonhard.
International Concert Engagements
Category winners will receive concert engagements in prestigious venues across the globe, including some cities that hosted the preliminary stages of the competition, fostering international exposure and career growth.
Monetary Prizes
Cash awards will be distributed across all categories to support the professional development and artistic endeavors of our talented laureates.
Artist Management & Networking
Major Music Management will select one of the finalists to promote and engage in concert.
COMPETITION STRUCTURE
Stage I & II – Ćuprija
School for Musical Talents & City Concert Hall
The first and second stage of the competition takes place in Ćuprija.
It includes:
- live performances by participants
- evaluation by an international professional jury
- participation of renowned artists and pedagogues
- professional and educational feedback
- selection of finalists for the next stage
COMPETITION STRUCTURE
Stage III – Belgrade
Kolarac Concert Hall
The final stage is held at the prestigious Kolarac Concert Hall, one of the most important concert venues in the region.
Final Performances
by selected participants
International Jury Evaluation
composed of leading performers, professors, and industry professionals
Industry Presence
representatives of international artist management agencies
Official Award Ceremony
recognizing excellence and achievement
Gala Concert
with finalists and guests
Competition Categories
Junior Category: 8-12 years
Designed for younger violinists in the early stages of their musical education, providing them with valuable performance experience and professional feedback in a supportive environment.
Intermediate Category: 13-17 years
For developing musicians who have achieved a solid technical foundation and are ready to tackle more challenging repertoire and compete at a higher artistic level.
Advanced Category: 18-23 years
Open to young artists up to 23 years of age, including conservatory and academy students who are approaching or beginning professional careers as performers.
Competition Program
Junior Category: 8-12 years
First Round
- J. S. Bach: Sonatas and Partitas for solo violin BWV 1001-1006 - one movement of competitor's choice from the 3rd and 4th movements of Sonata or any movement from Partitas 1, 2 or 3. Or G. Handel one movement from six sonatas.
- N. Paganini or H. Wieniawski, J., or Dont Op. 35 or P. Rode: Op. 22, Or R. Kreutzer from 42 studies. One Caprice or study of competitor's choice
Second Round
- Modern piece by any composer written after 1950.
- Virtuoso piece of the candidate’s choice.
- Any sonata by W.A. Mozart for violin and piano of competitor's choice.
Final Round
First movement of a concerto to be selected from:
- C.A. Berio: Scene de Ballet Op. 1000
- H. Wieniawski: No 2 in D Minor
- C. Saint Saens: Concerto No3
- W.A. Mozart: Concertos 1 or 2
- J. Haydn: Concerto for Violin G major
- Henryk Wieniawski – Violin Concerto No. 1 in F-sharp minor, Op. 14
- Henryk Wieniawski – Violin Concerto No. 2 in D minor, Op. 22
Junior Category: Participant Progression
The competition carefully selects participants for each stage to ensure fairness and maintain a high standard of performance.
Round 1
Up to 51 participants admitted.
Round 2
Up to 16 participants admitted.
Round 3 (Final)
Up to 3 participants admitted.
Competition Program
Intermediate Category: 13-17 years
First Round
- J. S. Bach: Sonatas and Partitas for solo violin BWV 1001-1006 – 3rd and 4th movements of competitor's choice chosen from Sonatas or two contrasting movements from Partitas.
- N. Paganini or H. Wieniawski: One Caprice of competitor's choice.
Second Round
- Modern piece by any composer written after 1950.
- Virtuoso piece of the candidate’s choice.
- Any L.V.Beethoven or W.A.Mozart Sonata for violin and piano.
Final Round
First movement of a concerto to be selected from:
- H. Wieniawski: D Minor
- C. Saint Saens: Concerto No3
- N. Paganini: Violin Concerto No. 1 Op. 6
- P. I. Tchaikovsky: Violin Concerto in D Major Op. 35
- J. Sibelius: Violin Concerto in D Minor Op. 47
- F. Mendelssohn: Violin Concerto in E minor Op. 64
- L. V. Beethoven: Violin Concerto
- A. Khachaturian: Violin Concerto in D Minor
- S. Prokofiev: Violin Concerto No. 1 or No. 2
Intermediate Category: Participant Progression
The competition meticulously structures participant progression to ensure a high level of talent advances through each stage.
Round 1
Up to 51 participants admitted.
Round 2
Up to 12 participants admitted.
Round 3 (Final)
Up to 3 participants admitted.
Competition Program
Advanced Category: 18-23 years
First Round
- J.S. Bach: first and second movements from the First or Second Sonata, or the Chaconne from the Second Partita
- N. Paganini or H. Wieniawski: Two Caprices of competitor's choice.
Second Round
- Modern piece by any composer written after 1950.
- Virtuoso piece of the candidate’s choice.
- Major Romantic Sonata for violin and piano of the candidate’s choice.
Final Round
First movement of a concerto to be selected from:
- N. Paganini: Violin Concerto No. 1
- P. I. Tchaikovsky: Violin Concerto in D Major Op. 35
- J. Sibelius: Violin Concerto in D Minor Op. 47
- F. Mendelssohn: Violin Concerto in E Minor Op. 64
- L. V. Beethoven: Violin Concerto
- A. Khachaturian: Violin Concerto in D Minor
- S. Prokofiev: Violin Concerto No. 1 or No. 2
- D. Shostakovich: Violin Concerto No. 1
and
- Mozart Concerto: No. 5 in A Major, first movement
Advanced Category: Participant Progression
A rigorous selection process ensures that only the most accomplished violinists advance to the final stages of the competition.
Round 1
Up to 25 participants admitted.
Round 2
Up to 8 participants admitted.
Round 3 (Final)
Up to 3 participants admitted.
Application Details
Pre-selection Round Requirements
Video Submission
- One video link featuring an uninterrupted and unedited recording.
- The video should include one caprice or study to be performed in the competition, plus one additional piece of the competitor's choice.
- Total length must not exceed 15 minutes.
- Important: All pieces must be played from memory, apart from the sonata in the second round.
Application Fee
- A proof of application fee transfer for €120 is required.
- All transfer charges must be paid by the sender, ensuring the competition receives the full €120.
- Bank account details for Association will be provided soon.
Deadline
Application Form
To ensure a smooth application process, please prepare the following information and documents for submission.
Personal Information
- Full Name, Date of Birth, Nationality
- Current Address, Email, and Phone Number
- Parent/Guardian details (for participants under 18)
- Country of citizenship
Competition Specifics
- Chosen Competition Category (Junior, Intermediate, Advanced)
- Detailed Repertoire List for each round (Composer, Piece, Movements)
Supporting Documents
- Link to pre-selection video recording
- Proof of application fee payment (€120)
Declaration & Consent
- Acknowledgement of competition rules and regulations
- Consent for data processing and public performance
All sections must be completed accurately to avoid delays in your application review.
Ready to Take the Stage?
If you've reviewed the requirements and prepared your materials, you're just one step away from joining the Ravanelius Stradivari Violin Competition. Click the button below to complete your submission.
We look forward to receiving your entry!
STRATEGIC ADVANTAGE FOR SPONSORS & PARTNERS
A Platform That Connects
This project creates a strong and meaningful connection between:
Europe – Asia – the United States
artistic excellence – education – international mobility
cultural prestige – long-term development
Global Reach
Through its international reach and carefully built artistic network, the Ravanelli Music Competition naturally brings together young talents, educational institutions, and cultural partners from different parts of the world.
WHY THIS MATTERS
The Ravenelle Music Competition represents a platform where talent is identified early, international connections are naturally created, long-term educational and cultural relationships are formed, and visibility extends far beyond the duration of the event itself.
For sponsors, this means association with a project that reflects: vision, international orientation, educational excellence, sustainable cultural impact.
Contact Us
We invite you to connect with the Ravanelius Stradivari Music Competition. Whether you have inquiries, partnership proposals, or media requests, we are here to assist you.
Board Members
Olja Jacobs, Danijela Jović, Stefan Stamenković
General Inquiries & Communication
Email: musicandartltd@gmail.com
Phone: + 381642306433
Address: Ravanelius Stradivari, 35000 Ćuprija, Serbia
We look forward to connecting with you and exploring new avenues to foster musical excellence and international exchange.
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Payment, Cancellation & Jury Decisions
Payments are processed securely via bank transfer, PayPal, or credit card. Cancellations are accepted within 14 days for a refund. All decisions made by the competition jury are final and cannot be challenged.
14.-22.4.2027.