Young musicians from 11 countries will take part in the first Sofia Cantus Firmus International Violin Competition, organized with financial support from the National Culture Fund, the Ministry of Culture, and in partnership with New Bulgarian University. 17 violinists from Austria, Germany, Italy, Switzerland, Portugal, Poland, Japan, China, South Korea, the United States and Bulgaria have been selected to participate at the competition. One of the requirements of the first round is that candidates perform a piece by Fritz Kreisler, commemorating the 150th birth anniversary of the Austrian violinist and composer. Among the mandatory pieces is also Canticum for Violin and Orchestra, composed especially for the competition by Gheorghi Arnaoudov.

 Following the vote of the jury, three finalists will be chosen to perform at a gala concert at Bulgaria Hall on May 11, accompanied by the Camerata Orphica NBU under the baton of Christian Schulz.

Six young Bulgarian violinists aged 15 to 17 will participate in the Youth Group competition.