Hudson Valley String Competition

The competition began in 1966 under the direction of Maestro Claude Monteux, then the HVP artistic director/conductor. It was originally started as a way to find string players for the orchestra. The competition has always attracted some of the finest conservatory string players in the world. Many former winners have gone on to illustrious classical music careers. Previous notables include: violist Marcus Thompson ’67 (Boston Chamber Players), cellist Fred Sherry ’68, violinist Ani Kavafian ’73 (Lincoln Center Chamber Players soloist), violinist Adela Pena ’85 (Eroica Trio), violinist Judith Ingolfsson ’96 (1998 Indianapolis International Violin Competition winner).