2024 Competition

Co-presented by the Colburn School and the American Viola Society, the 2024 Primrose International Viola Competition will be held June 17 through 22, 2024. As one of the most renowned string instrument competitions in the world, the Primrose International Viola Competition features the world’s best and most promising young violists. The competition is open to violists born on or after June 23, 1992, who are ready to embark on an international solo career. All live rounds will take place at the Colburn School in Los Angeles, California.  

The 2024 competition is dedicated to the memory of  Dr. David Dalton, one of the world’s great champions of the viola and the legacy of William Primrose.

Prizes Awarded

1ST PRIZE *

$15,000

2ND PRIZE

$10,000

3RD PRIZE

$5,000

TRANSCRIPTIONS PRIZE

$1,000

ILLUMINATION PRIZE**

$1,000

* The First Prize winner will also receive the following: 1) an invitation to perform at the 2026 American Viola Society Festival and 2) an invitation to the semi-finals of the Concert Artists Guild Competition  

** For best performance of a work by an underrepresented composer demographic 

For Competitors

Founded in 1979 as the first international competition solely for violists, the Primrose International Viola Competition is proud of the rich history and legacy it promotes. The Competition has an international reputation for identifying the talent of tomorrow and is respected for its artistic and professional integrity. In 2024, 24 Quarter‐Finalists will be invited to compete for cash prizes and awards over $30,000 US dollars.