ABOUT KNVC

 

History

The Competition’s history dates from 1999 when renowned Australian luthier Graham Caldersmith made the generous offer to donate a concert violin each year as a prize. Young violinists (maximum age 23 on 1 January) who are citizens or residents of Australia are invited to compete for this fine instrument which is made from Australian timbers.

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Kendall, on the mid-north coast of New South Wales, has a history of timber milling as well as many areas of scenic forest preserves and nature reserves. The village is named for Australian poet, Henry Kendall, who was also the first NSW Inspector of Forests. In recognition of this most appropriate use of Australian timber. Forestry Corporation of NSW, a division of the Department of Primary Industry, sponsored the Competition from its inception until the end of 2018.

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The Competition is administered by a small committee of volunteers under the Artistic Directorship of Violinist Goetz Richter, Associate Professor of Violin at the Conservatorium of Sydney.

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Since 2004, semifinals have been held as public performances in Sydney. The final is always held in Kendall, the home of the Competition.

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Autonomy

The Kendall National Violin Competition initially operated briefly under the auspices of the Camden Haven Arts Council but incorporated in 2000. Initially held at the same time as the Camden Haven Music Festival, the Competition moved to a more appropriate time on the national music calendar in 2004. At the same time it became registered with DCITA and has deductible gift recipient status as a not-for-profit cultural organisation. Donations to the organisation are tax deductible.

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Competition Home

Kendall, on the mid north coast of New South Wales, is the home of the Competition and, while the Semi-final is held as a public performance at Government House, Sydney, the Final will always be held in the Kendall School of Arts.

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Patronage

The Caldersmith violin or viola is central to the Competition and it was with great pleasure that Artistic Director Goetz Richter was able to display and demonstrate it for Yehudi Menuhin during his last visit to Australia.  Lord Menuhin was most impressed, commenting  ‘a great opportunity to own a real Australian violin…a wonderful instrument with a beautiful sound’.  He readily agreed to be Patron of the Competition.  Committee members were saddened by his sudden death in 1999 just prior to the first Competition Final but were delighted when the first winner, Gu Chen, later gained fourth place at the Yehudi Menuhin International Violin Competition playing that very same Caldersmith violin.