The Johansen International Competition for Young String Players Ages 13–17 (JIC), established in 1997, is sponsored by the Friday Morning Music Club Foundation. The JIC is made possible through the generosity of a Charitable Trust established by the late Anna Storch Johansen of Falls Church, Virginia. Mrs. Johansen was a violinist and a Life Member of the Friday Morning Music Club (FMMC). She wanted to encourage young musicians with significant prize awards at a time when they need it most and when they must make decisions about whether to continue with their dedication to music.
The JIC takes place once every 3 years. The next competition will take place in March 2021, in Washington, DC. Please direct all questions regarding the application process to johansencomp@gmail.com.
Prizes include $67,000 in cash awards, plus possible performance opportunities that may include a Winner’s Recital in Washington, DC, and solo appearances with an orchestra. Winners receive five years of complimentary FMMC student membership.
Judged by top professional string players, the JIC is recognized as a prestigious international competition for gifted young string players. Our past winners have gone on to continue their musical studies, compete in additional competitions, and move into established professional careers. Some of the honors JIC participants have achieved have included prizes and awards at competitions such as the Indianapolis Violin Competition, the International Tchaikovsky Competition for Young Musicians, Young Concert Artists International Auditions, the Avery Fisher Prize, the Tertis International Viola Competition, and the Queen Elisabeth Competition, and positions in major U.S. and European orchestras, including the Chicago Symphony, the Los Angeles Philharmonic, the Dallas Symphony, the Toronto Symphony, the St Paul Chamber Orchestra, the Philadelphia Orchestra, and the Bonn Beethoven Orchestra.
The Winners’ Concert Table provides details on past winners’ post-competition concerts sponsored by the JIC.
The Johansen International Competition invites you to join the JIC Circle of Friends. This group includes contestants, teachers, donors, volunteers, and other individuals who have supported the JIC in a variety of ways. The goals of the JIC Circle of Friends are to keep our supporters informed via email about recent events and upcoming concerts involving our winners and to provide an easy way to make tax-deductible contributions. If you would like to join the JIC Circle of Friends, send an email with your name and email address to johansencomp@fmmc.org.
Frequently Asked QuestionsMore information can be found on the FMMC Foundation website.
