Vivaldi with Sokolov
Three violinists. One concerto. One stage with Valeriy Sokolov.
Vivaldi with Sokolov
Vivaldi with Sokolov is an international online selection offering three violinists the opportunity to perform alongside internationally acclaimed violinist and pedagogue Valeriy Sokolov in Zagreb.
Three violinists will be selected through an international online application process to join Sokolov as the other three soloists in Vivaldi’s Concerto for Four Violins. The selected artists will come to Zagreb for an intensive artistic programme from 3–7 March 2027, including the Masterclass with Sokolov, orchestra rehearsals and the final concert.
This is more than a competition. It is an opportunity to become part of a unique artistic collaboration and to work closely with Valeriy Sokolov, whose work as a performer and teacher is deeply connected with nurturing young talent and helping the next generation of violinists develop their individual artistic voices.
Who Can Apply
The selection is open internationally to violinists at an advanced level who are ready to take part in an intensive artistic project.
Applicants are asked to submit:
The completed online application form
Two video recordings featuring contrasting works or movements
An application fee of €65, payable by bank transfer to the following account:
Account holder: ZSO
IBAN: HR2623600001102215849
BIC/SWIFT: ZABAHR2X
Bank name: Zagrebačka banka d.d.
Bank Address: Trg bana Josipa Jelačića 10, Zagreb
All bank transfer fees and charges must be covered by the sender.
The two videos should be submitted through two separate links and have a combined maximum duration of up to 15 minutes. The recordings should demonstrate musicality, individuality, technical ability and versatility.
Recordings do not need to be professional or multi-camera. A quality recording made with a smartphone is fully acceptable.
At least one selection must be a Baroque work. The second selection is freely chosen by the applicant.
Applicants do not need to prepare Vivaldi’s Concerto for Four Violins as part of the application.
Selection Jury
Applications will be reviewed by a jury bringing together expertise in violin performance, pedagogy, conducting and orchestral leadership.
Valeriy Sokolov
Violinist and pedagogue · Professor of Violin, The Yehudi Menuhin School, London · Conservatorium van Amsterdam
Tin Matijević
Assistant Teacher · Valeriy Sokolov Masterclass
Krešimir Seletković
Composer · Zagreb Music Academy
Miran Vaupotić
Artistic Director · Zagreb Symphony Orchestra
The jury will consider each applicant’s musicality, technical ability, individuality, versatility and overall artistic potential.
The Selection
Three violinists will be selected to participate in the project.
On 20 December 2026, the three selected violinists will be announced and each will receive their assigned solo part in Vivaldi’s Concerto for Four Violins.
The parts will be assigned by Valeriy Sokolov according to each violinist’s individual strengths and musical characteristics.
This gives the selected violinists more than two months to prepare their assigned parts before arriving in Zagreb.
The decision of the Jury is final and cannot be appealed.
Zagreb Programme
3 March 2027
Masterclass with Valeriy Sokolov begins
3–6 March 2027
Masterclass, individual work and preparation of Vivaldi’s Concerto for Four Violins
6 & 7 March 2027
Orchestra rehearsal
7 March 2027
Concert · Vivaldi with Sokolov
What Selected Artists Receive
For the three selected violinists, participation in the Masterclass with Valeriy Sokolov is free of charge.
Selected artists will receive:
Individual work with Valeriy Sokolov
Participation in the Masterclass (3 × 45-min lesson)
Preparation of their assigned part in Vivaldi’s Concerto for Four Violins
Orchestra rehearsal and performance alongside Sokolov
Professional video recording of the concert performance for personal and non-commercial promotional use
Official Diploma from the “Vivaldi with Sokolov” Competition
Certificate of Attendance from the Masterclass
Participants are responsible for arranging and covering their own travel and accommodation expenses in Zagreb.
Application Timeline
Application deadline: 15 December 2026, 23:59 CET
Jury review: 16–19 December 2026
Selected artists and Vivaldi parts announced: 20 December 2026
The Opportunity
Vivaldi with Sokolov brings together masterclass work, ensemble preparation and live performance in one intensive artistic experience.
Three selected violinists will have the opportunity to work directly with Valeriy Sokolov, prepare their assigned parts, rehearse with an orchestra and share the stage with him in Vivaldi’s Concerto for Four Violins.
Interested in the Masterclass?
If you would like to participate in both Vivaldi with Sokolov and the Masterclass with Valeriy Sokolov, please submit a separate application for each programme.
The two applications are considered independently and have different requirements. In particular, the Vivaldi selection requires two contrasting performance videos, while the Masterclass has its own application requirements.
We strongly recommend applying for the Masterclass as early as possible. Places are limited and may be filled before the Vivaldi selection is completed. Applying early gives you the best opportunity to secure a place in the Masterclass.
If you are subsequently selected for Vivaldi with Sokolov, your Masterclass participation fee will be waived.