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The Tertis and Aronowitz International Viola Competitions have combined to bring outstanding violists from around the globe together to give incredible opportunities to perform in a world-class venue before a jury of the highest calibre. An ambitious 360°Festival incorporating celebrity viola recitals, masterclasses, workshops and lectures will run alongside the competitions with opportunities for young musicians to expand their technique, skill and knowledge, for amateur players to benefit from a bespoke viola offer of ensemble playing all supported by a fantastic exhibition by luthiers and bow makers. Monetary prizes and recital opportunities have been sponsored incredibly generously by several patrons and luthiers, providing such a high calibre of expertise from our esteemed jury and celebrity violists: Nobuko Imai and Timothy Ridout. The finalists of the competition will have the opportunity to perform with Royal Northern Sinfonia under the baton of Thomas Zehetmair. All rounds, including the finals of the competition will be live streamed via the Violin Channel, allowing for worldwide audience. Two new compositions have been commissioned from Garth Knox and Kathy Tagg especially for the competitions, and the legacy of both Lionel Tertis and Cecil Aronowitz will be recognised by employing their original arrangements and holding a special concert at Hartlepool Town Hall Theatre to celebrate Lionel Tertis’ legacy of this competition which is now in its 14th iteration.

We have raised over £220k already and were not successful with our application to the Arts Council of England. Our shortfall is £83,000. We are asking for the viola community and supporters at home and across the world to gather around and support us! We are working around the clock to cement the future of the viola and its youngest and most gifted protagonists. Help us to support, nurture and provide opportunities for the next generation of violists: music is an international language and has no borders or barriers.