Applications to the 2022 Klein Competition NOW OPEN
Are you a string player between the ages of 15 – 23? Applications for the 37th Irving M. Klein International String Competiton are NOW OPEN and close Saturday, February 5, 2022. Learn how to apply as we make our in-person return to the San Francisco Conservatory of Music June 4 – 5, 2022. Some requirements have changed, so check out our submission guidelines here.
At this year’s Klein Competition, From the Top will be in residence recording a documentary style portrait of the competition for their weekly NPR series. Co-hosted by Klein Competition Mentor, Tessa Lark and From the Top host, pianist Peter Dugan, the resulting program will feature performances from the competition as well as interviews and field recordings featuring competitors, the Klein team, jury, and more.
Strings a la carte Dec 11th
It’s been too long! Please join us for our very first in-person event since Feb 2020 on December 11, 2021 at 3PM. We can’t wait to welcome you to Strings a la carte, a festive afternoon to raise funds for the California Music Center (home of the Klein International String Competition), honoring our 2021 Arts Champions, Katherine & Roy Bukstein.
Be among the first to see Cha Chi Ming Hall, SFCM’s recital hall in the new Bowes Center. Attendance is very limited. Enjoy a chamber performance from Klein First Prize laureates Gabrielle Després, Yuchen Lu, and Oliver Herbert, with pianist Allegra Chapman, libations and light refreshments, celebration of Katherine & Roy Bukstein – and don’t miss our “touchless” Silent Auction. Proof of full vaccination status is required for entry.
We believe in RESPECT • We believe in EQUAL RIGHTS • We believe in JUSTICE
We must combat racial discrimination, oppression and social injustice. We stand in solidarity with the #BlackLivesMatter movement and the AAPI Community. We are committed to practicing diversity and inclusion in our work, and to maintaining an inclusive environment with equitable treatment for all.
2021 & 2020 KLEIN WINNERS
2021 KLEIN
FIRST PRIZE: Yuchen Lu, viola
SECOND PRIZE: Grace Huh, violin
THIRD PRIZE: William Tan, cello
FOURTH PRIZES: Ria Honda, violin & Serin Park, violin
Special Prizes awarded 6/5: Pablo Casals Prize for Best Performance of Bach: Grace Huh
Weiss Prize for Best Performance of the Commissioned Work: William Tan
Congratulations to the prizewinners and well-done to all the 2021 semifinalists: Keoni Bolding, viola; Ria Honda; Grace Huh; Yuchen Lu, Bobby Park, violin; Serin Park; Sory Park, violin; William Tan; Dylan Wu, cello. Click HERE to read or download the Competition Program Guide
2020 KLEIN
First Prize: Gabrielle Després, violin
Second Prize: Jiaxun Yao, cello
Third Prize: Masha Lakisova, violin
Fourth Prize: Caroline Durham, violin; and is given in memory of Jerry Lee Klein, Irving M. Klein’s younger son
Fourth Prize: Dongyoung Shim, violin
Best Performance of the Commissioned Work named in memory of Allen R. and Susan E. Weiss: Jiaxun Yao and Gabrielle Després
Pablo Casals Prize for the best performance of the solo Bach work: Masha Lakisova