Celebrating 36 years of helping the world's top young string musicians gain prominence in the competitive world of classical music, the Irving M. Klein International String Competition, produced by the California Music Center, livestreams on californiamusiccenter.org and The Violin Channel starting 10AM Sat June 5th and 10AM Sun June 6, 2021 followed by awards. Nine semifinalists, ages 15-23 will play all-new programs of solo Bach, a work by Sakari Dixon Vanderveer commissioned for the Klein, and accompanied concertos and sonatas, competing for cash prizes totaling over $20,000 and performance contracts. Violinist Tessa Lark (2008 winner) co-hosts with Klein Artistic Director Mitchell Sardou Klein.
Selected from 128 entrants representing 16 nationalities, the 2021 semifinalists showcase the exceptional talent from top teachers and conservatories in North America. The Klein Competition is open to musicians between ages 15 and 23. It is considered one of the most prestigious classical music competitions in the world, and is recognized for the high caliber of the contestants, its unique, nurturing environment, and its commitment to the commissioning of new works.