Applications
Applications for WFISC 2026 are now open.
Closing date 24th July 2026
To apply, simply fill out the online application form, including your repertoire choices according to the WFISC requirements:
Repertoire choices
Preliminary Round:
- Video submission of 2 or 3 contrasting pieces, lasting not more than 25 minutes in total duration.
- A piece maybe a single movement from a larger work if required.
- Candidates must present at least one movement from a major sonata or concerto for violin, viola or cello.
Video Submission Guidelines:
-Please choose a room/venue for the video recording that gives a good clarity of sound.
-We strongly recommend you carry out sound tests before commencing the recording to ensure best placing of microphones and that there is no distortion on the sound.
-The camera must remain still from the beginning to the end of the selection. The artists face, arms and hands must be visible at all times.
-Any indication of editing within any video will disqualify the application. However each piece may be recorded on separate occasions.
-Videos that are unplayable, inaudible, or faulty such that the judges cannot evaluate the performance will disqualify the application.
-High-quality audio will enable the judges to better evaluate the performance, but a professionally made recording is not a requirement of application.
-It is acceptable to submit a recording from a live performance.
Semi-final:
A 45 minute recital, the submitted programme for which must include:
- Two contrasting movements from a Bach solo sonata, partita or suite
- At least one movement from a major sonata or concerto for violin, viola or cello with piano accompaniment
- A work written in or after 1975
- The remainder of the programme, up to a maximum playing time of 45 minutes, can then be made up with further contrastingworks of the competitors own choice.
Final:
A concerto, selected from the following list:
Violin
- Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756–1791) Violin Concerto No. 3 in G major, K. 216
- Felix Mendelssohn (1809–1847) Violin Concerto in E minor, Op. 64
- Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky (1840–1893) Violin Concerto in D major, Op. 35
Viola
- Carl Stamitz (1745–1801) Viola Concerto No. 1 in D major
- Franz Anton Hoffmeister (1754–1812) Viola Concerto in D major
- William Walton (1902–1983) Viola Concerto
Cello
- Joseph Haydn (1732–1809) Cello Concerto No. 1 in C major, Hob. VIIb:1
- Robert Schumann (1810–1856) Cello Concerto in A minor, Op. 129
- Edward Elgar (1857–1934) Cello Concerto in E minor, Op. 85
Application form
To which you will also need to upload the following:
- A weblink to YouTube, of your Preliminary Submission, prepared according to the Windsor Festival International String Competition requirements
- A typed CV and a short biography (no more than 100 words) that will be suitable for the Windsor Festival International String Competition 2026 brochure and website (www.windsorfestival.com) if chosen as a semi-finalist
- Photocopy of Birth Certificate or Passport, signed by a non-related person, confirming your identity
- 1 high quality digital photo for publicity purposes
- 2 signed letters of recommendation (these can be emailed directly to the competition: rosemary@martindenny.co.uk)
- Credit or debit card to make payment of the non refundable £75 entry fee
In submitting an application, competitors agree to the WFISC Rules and Regulations, as laid out here.