2020 Shanghai Isaac Stern International Violin Competition delayed until next year

The 2020 Shanghai Isaac Stern International Violin Competition, originally scheduled for August, has been postponed until next year.

The 3rd edition of the SISIVC will now take place between 10 August and 29 August 2021 in Shanghai. But, honouring Isaac Stern’s centenary this year, it will still be titled the ‘2020 SISIVC’. The competition will not accept new applicants, although those who have already submitted applications will be given additional time to submit their video uploads.

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A statement from the competition reads: ‘In light of concerns about the COVID-19 epidemic, after much deliberation, we have decided to reschedule the 2020 Shanghai Isaac Stern International Violin Competition (SISIVC) to 2021. The health and safety of the participants, jury members, staff, and audience are our highest priority, and the difficulties connected to the epidemic do not allow us to guarantee a secure competition in the previously planned timeframe. We believe it would be best to reschedule in order to ensure the competition takes place under the best possible circumstances.’

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It continues: ‘Isaac Stern’s belief in music obliges us to respect his commitment to excellence, and any attempt to hold the event under duress would not uphold his standards. We are all currently under attack by this world pandemic, and we must remember that while a society without culture can survive, a society with culture elevates us.’