The competition is designed as an annual event with a different focus instrument each year. The focus instrument for the 2027 edition is the ‘Sainton’ violin by Guarneri del Gesù, 1744. Violin makers from all over the world are invited to engage with the instrument.
The competition is open to newly built violins that serve as facsimiles of this instrument.
The competition aims to create a space for collective reflection on what a facsimile of a historical violin might be from a contemporary perspective.  The basis for the construction of the facsimiles is a comprehensive digital documentation of the original instrument (reference dossier), compiled by Balthazar Soulier (Atelier Cels) in collaboration with the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility (ESRF), Grenoble. The reference dossier will be made available to eligible participants once they have submitted their application and been admitted to the competition.

The closing date for applications is 31.01.2027.