Event Schedule 2026

Thursday, September 17, 2026

Opening Ceremonies – 6:30 PM
Newfields
4000 N Michigan Road

Title Sponsor:

Premier Sponsors:

Associate Sponsor:

Each of the four rounds of the Competition (Preliminaries, Semi-Finals, Classical Finals and Finals) will be available via free livestream. A dedicated livestream page will be uploaded soon.

Saturday, September 19 –
Wednesday, September 23, 2026

Preliminaries
Eugene and Marilyn Glick Indiana History Center
Frank and Katrina Basile Theater
450 W Ohio Street, Indianapolis

Each violinist performs a 45-minute recital of masterworks selected from Ernst, Hindemith, Milstein, Mozart, Paganini, Prokofiev, Reger, Schubert and Ysaÿe, plus a work from the encore repertoire.

* End times may vary according to actual number of Participants.

Thursday, September 24, 2026

Thursday, September 24, 2026 — 7:30 PM
Eidson-Duckwall Recital Hall
Butler University | 4600 Sunset Avenue, Indianapolis

A Rhapsody in the Making: 2026 Composer Jessie Montgomery

GRAMMY Award-winning composer and violinist Jessie Montgomery is one of the most celebrated voices in contemporary American music. Named Musical America’s 2023 Composer of the Year and Performance Today’s 2025 Classical Woman of the Year, Montgomery’s music is performed by leading orchestras, ensembles and soloists around the world. On the eve of the Semi-Finals, Montgomery will share her inspiration behind Rhapsody No. 3 for Solo Violin, the 2026 IVCI Official Composition, and offer insight into her approach to writing for the violin. This discussion will be led by Butler University Professor of Composition, Michael Schelle.

Friday, September 25 –
Monday, September 28, 2026

Semi-Finals
Eugene and Marilyn Glick Indiana History Center
Frank and Katrina Basile Theater
450 W Ohio Street, Indianapolis

1:30 PM – 4:15 PM – Session I
7:30 PM – 10:15 PM – Session II

Each of the 16 Participants who advanced from the Preliminaries presents a full recital showcasing 19th and 20th century works from the standard repertoire. This round also includes the World Premiere of the 2026 Commissioned Work, Rhapsody No. 3 for Solo Violin by Jessie Montgomery.

Presented by David Whitman and Donna Reynolds

Tuesday, September 29, 2026

Donor Appreciation Concert – 8:00 PM
Featuring 2022 Gold Medalist Sirena Huang with Chih-Yi Chen, piano
Schrott Center for the Arts at Butler University
610 W 46th Street, Indianapolis

2022 Gold Medalist Sirena Huang takes the stage with IVCI Official Pianist Chih-Yi Chen to perform a recital featuring Mozart’s Sonata in B-flat, K. 454, Gabriela Lena Frank’s Sueños de Chambi, Grieg’s Violin Sonata No. 2, Ysaÿe’s Solo Sonata No. 5, and Sarasate’s Introduction et tarantelle, Op. 43.

Presented by Steve Hamilton

Wednesday, September 30 –
Thursday, October 1, 2026

Classical Finals – 8:00 PM
Schrott Center for the Arts at Butler University
610 W 46th Street, Indianapolis

Each evening, three of the six Finalists who advanced from the Semi-Finals collaborate with the East Coast Chamber Orchestra in a concerto by Haydn or Mozart, plus an encore work by Kreisler.

Presented by the Family of Michael D. O’Brien

Associate Sponsors:

Friday, October 2 –
Saturday, October 3, 2026

Finals – 8:00 PM
Sponsored by Lilly
Hilbert Circle Theatre
45 Monument Circle, Indianapolis

Each evening, three of the six Finalists perform a Romantic or post-Romantic concerto with the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Maestro Leonard Slatkin. Laureate placement will be announced following the performance on Saturday evening.

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Saturday, October 3, 2026

Saturday, October 3, 2026 — 10:30 AM
Indiana History Center
450 W Ohio Street, Indianapolis

Voices of the Masters: Stories behind the Jury Violins

Ever wonder  what instruments are in the hands of our distinguished jury members? Join Colin Maki, renowned expert in fine and rare stringed instruments, as he explores these illustrious violins with the jury. Discover the fascinating histories, stories and lineage behind these exceptional instruments, and learn how each member came to acquire theirs. 

Saturday, October 3, 2026

Saturday, October 3, 2026 — 2:00 PM
Indiana History Center
450 W Ohio Street, Indianapolis

Still Burning Bright – The Inextinguishable Joy of Jaime Laredo (A Documentary)

At just 17, Jaime Laredo won the prestigious Queen Elisabeth of Belgium Competition, launching a remarkable international career that has spanned more than six decades. Laredo has since distinguished himself as a soloist, conductor, chamber musician and beloved teacher, performing with the world’s leading orchestras and mentoring generations of young musicians. As Jury President of the International Violin Competition of Indianapolis since 1994, Laredo has played an integral role in shaping the Competition’s legacy. Join us as we present this documentary which chronicles the extraordinary life and career of one of the world’s most influential violinists.

Sunday, October 4, 2026

Gala Awards Ceremony and Reception – 4:00 PM
Scottish Rite Cathedral Theater
650 N Meridian Street, Indianapolis

Join us for the grand finale of the Competition as we recognize the 2026 Laureates and hear encore performances by each.

Presented by Tom and Dawn Bennett