The International Violin Institute, founded by violinist and music pedagogue Stefan Milenkovich with the support of the national platform Serbia Creates, is pleased to announce its annual competition to select participants for its prestigious international educational program. The program will be held in Belgrade from June 29 to July 22, 2023.

Applications open until May 1^st

Applications, consisting of a curriculum vitae and an audio or video recording of the candidate’s violin performance, must be submitted no later than May 1st via the application form available at the following link. The program is primarily intended for students, but talented students under the age of 18 will also be considered. 

The path to excellence in the world of music

Stefan Milenković’s previous two masterclasses were held in Čačak in 2021 and in Novi Sad in 2022, where 20 of the most talented violinists from the world of classical music were brought together. This year, the Institute will have 15 participants for the first time and is joined by Banca Intesa, which will sponsor the registration fees of the 10 best Serbian students.

“I am thrilled that the Institute is being organized for the third time in cooperation with the national platform Serbia Creates – whose creative ambassador I am – and for the first time with the support of Banca Intesa. This kind of support is vital for young artists and contributes greatly to the popularization of classical music in Serbia. The goal of the International Violin Institute is for each student to develop their artistic freedom as much as possible through dedication and discipline, so that their emotions, creativity and vision can be transmitted to the audience without obstacles. I’m looking forward to seeing you in Belgrade!”, said Stefan Milenković.

International Violin Institute: Enhancing Artistic Freedom and Skill

During the program, students will have the opportunity to work daily with Professor Milenkovic through individual, group, and theoretical classes. In addition to perfecting musical expression and violin technique, students will also have daily physical exercises specially designed for violinists to prevent injuries, increase mobility and energy, as well as specific breathing exercises, guided relaxation, and meditation to minimize pre-performance stage fright and sharpen concentration. Through a comprehensive and intensive curriculum, the International Violin Institute aims to provide students with clear guidance in building their musicianship, as well as developing other important skills needed to succeed in the world of music.

The Mission of the International Violin Institute

The International Violin Institute was created as a result of almost 25 years of combined pedagogical experience of Professor Milenković at the Juilliard School in New York and the University of Illinois in Champaign-Urbana. The institute’s mission is to popularize classical music through creative approaches to performances, programming, and interaction with the audience.

Senior Advisor to the Prime Minister of the Republic of Serbia for Creative Industries and Tourism Ana Ilić, who leads the Serbia Creates team, points out that the International Violin Institute comes as a natural continuation of two very successful master classes – in Čačak and Novi Sad, as well as the organization of the Young Strings Team for appearance of Serbia at the World Exhibition EXPO Dubai.

“I am extremely glad that once again we are providing support to our creative ambassador Stefan Milenkovic in this great project, which above all provides a significant opportunity for the development of talents from Serbia and abroad through the preparation of excellent violinists for a serious career in music. I am especially pleased by the fact that the private sector is also involved in such important cultural and educational projects for our country, and I hope that we will have more and more such examples in the coming years. I am sure that this project will be of great use for the positioning of Serbia as a small string superpower” – said Ana Ilić.

To learn more about the program, propositions, and conditions of attendance, all interested can visit Stefan Milenković’s official website.