MCW Is Honred to Present the Ani Kavafian String Competition

ByMusic Conservatory of Westchester

THE MUSIC CONSERVATORY OF WESTCHESTER PRESENTS THE ANI KAVAFIAN COMPETITION FOR YOUNG STRING PLAYERS STUDYING IN WESTCHESTER

The Music Conservatory of Westchester is thrilled to announce the Ani Kavafian Competition for Strings, open to talented violin, viola, cello, and double bass students ages 8-18 who study at a music school or teacher’s studio located in Westchester County.

Ms. Kavafian, a longstanding member of the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center and Professor of Violin at Yale University, has enjoyed an international career as a soloist, chamber musician, and recording artist. Her connection to the Music Conservatory of Westchester dates from the years when her son was a Conservatory student.

In response to the announcement of the competition, Ms. Kavafian said, “I am deeply humbled at the announcement of the Ani Kavafian Competition for Strings sponsored by the Music Conservatory of Westchester with the very generous contribution from music lover and friend Mary Bianco. This Competition will inspire talented young string players in Westchester County to strive for excellence and advance their careers. I can’t wait to hear them!”

Longstanding Conservatory Board member Mary Lynn Bianco and The Moca Foundation are generously sponsoring the competition.

Qualifying students are invited to submit an audition video for the initial competition round. Finalists will be selected for live auditions on May 3, 2025. For the final round, Ms. Kavafian will be joined by two noted artists, violist Steven Tenenbom and cellist Michael Katz, who will adjudicate. First and secondplace winners will receive a cash prize to be used toward their instrumental studies. Prize recipients and runners-up will be invited to participate in a Winners’ Concert on May 9th.

“Encouraging young musicians is at the heart of the Conservatory’s mission,” said Jean Newton, Executive Director of the Music Conservatory of Westchester. “This competition provides a unique opportunity for young talent and highlights the high quality of instruction available in our county.”

Competition Details:

  • Eligibility: Open to violin, viola, cello, and double bass students ages 8 to 18 who study at a music school or teacher’s studio located in Westchester County.
  • Divisions: Junior Division, ages 8 to 12; Senior Division, ages 13 to 18. Senior Division students must not yet have graduated from high school.
  • First Round (Video Audition): For audition and submission requirements, please visit www.musicconservatory.org. The submission deadline is midnight EST on March 31, 2025.
  • Final Round (Live Audition): selected finalists will be adjudicated in a live audition at the Conservatory on Saturday, May 3, 2025.
  • Senior Division Prizes: First Prize – $2,000, Second Prize – $1,000, to be used for further instrumental study; prize recipients will perform in the Winners Concert on May 9, 2025.
  • Junior Division Prizes: First Prize – $1,000, Second Prize – $500, to be used for further instrumental study; prize recipients will perform in the Winners Concert on May 9, 2025
  • Runners Up: up to three will be selected from each division; each will receive $100 and will perform in the Winners Concert on May 9, 2025.
  • Winners Concert: Friday, May 9, 2025, in the Recital Hall at the Music Conservatory of Westchester. Ani Kavafian and the competition sponsors will be in attendance. The concert will be recorded from the Conservatory’s onsite Recording Studio. A VIP reception will follow the concert.

To register or for more information, please visit musicconservatory.org or contact Nicole Peragine at (914) 761-3900 x 114

The Winners Concert will be open to the public. Join us for an inspiring day of music and celebration as we nurture the next generation of classical musicians!

About Music Conservatory of Westchester

Founded in 1929, the Conservatory is a 501(c) 3 organization that provides quality music education for all ages, abilities and backgrounds. We offer one-on-one instruction, performing ensembles, theory, composition, early childhood classes, lifelong learning for adults, summer programs and free community performances. Our unique Music Therapy program incorporates adapted instruction for children and adults with disabilities. Our esteemed faculty, who are performing artists, help to enrich the lives of more than 2,500 students each year from Pre-K to Adults. We offer scholarships to finically deserving students, so that all have the chance to experience the transformative power of music.