Applications
Applications for WFISC 2026 are now closed.
All applications received are being thoroughly reviewed across three initial rounds of shortlisting by the Preliminary Jury. The selected Semi-finalists for 2026 will be announced on 15th August 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 individual 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.
-It is acceptable to submit recordings with orchestral accompaniment, piano accompaniment or unaccompanied.
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 contrasting works of the competitors own choice.
- In the Semi-final candidates may repeat one movement from their proposed final concerto 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 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, confirming your identity
- 1 high quality digital photo for publicity purposes
- 1 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.