Eighteen competitors performed in the second round of the XIII International Jean Sibelius Violin Competition. Following the final performances, the jury selected six violinists to advance to the final.

Change of conductor for the finals of the 13th International Jean Sibelius Violin Competition. Due to a tight schedule, the Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra will be conducted by two conductors.

The first round of the XIII International Jean Sibelius Violin Competition took place at the historic Concert Hall of the Sibelius Academy from 19 to 21 May. On Wednesday evening, following the sixth and final session, the jury selected the competitors who will continue in the competition. The updated schedule for the second round is now available on the competition’s website. The second round will also take place in the Sibelius Academy Concert Hall from 23 to 25 May.

It is a pleasure to welcome you to the 13th International Jean Sibelius Violin Competition, held once again during the bright spring season as nature awakens. In these uncertain times, the importance of music as a source of joy and inspiration is greater than ever. Music can offer a space for inspiration and for discovering new ways of thinking. Photo: Matias Ahonen.

The performance order for the First Round of the XIII International Jean Sibelius Violin Competition was determined by a draw held on the evening of Saturday, May 17, during the opening event for the competitors at Ainola (Jean Sibelius’s home).

The competition begins on Monday, May 19. The first competitor to perform is number 9, Adrian Ibañez-Resjan, after which performances will proceed in numerical order.

The updated schedule for the First Round is now available on the competition website.

The audience now has a unique opportunity to delve into the fascinating world of fine violins together with representatives of Beare’s, a London-based partner of the Sibelius Violin Competition. The event Stradivari and Friends will take place on Monday, May 26 from 2 PM to 3 PM at the Auditorium of the Helsinki Music Centre.

The audience will get to hear how these rare instruments sound in the hands of violinists Jinjoo Cho and Petteri Iivonen. The event is free of charge.

A limited number of excellent seats has just been released for the finals of the 13th International Jean Sibelius Violin Competition, taking place on 27–29 May 2025. Held at the Helsinki Music Centre’s prestigious Concert Hall, the three final concerts have been in high demand. The final evening on 29 May is nearly sold out. This is a rare opportunity for the quickest buyers to secure premium seats for the most anticipated stage of the competition.

The Sibelius Violin Competition offers free tickets to professional music students for the first and second rounds of the XIII International Jean Sibelius Violin Competition. The first round will take place in the Concert Hall of the Sibelius Academy’s R Building from 19 to 21 May, and the second round from 23 to 25 May. Free ticket seats are located on the second balcony of the concert hall.

Tickets for the XIII International Jean Sibelius Violin Competition, starting in less than a month, have sold better than ever before. The third Final, in which the winner of the competition will be announced, is nearly sold out. Tickets for the other rounds are also selling briskly. The ticket sales suggests that, in addition to the competition itself, contemporary concertos appeal to Finnish audiences.