Lionel Tertis International Viola Competition

The Lionel Tertis International Viola Competition is an international music competition for viola players established in 1980 to honor the memory of the English viola virtuoso Lionel Tertis. This triennial event is held at the Erin Arts Centre, Port Erin, Isle of Man. Participants are of any nationality and are under 30 years of age.

The 13th Lionel Tertis International Festival was held from 6 to 13 April 2019, and attracted 107 entries from around the world.

Required composition
A compulsory work to be performed by all competitors is commissioned (or selected) for each competition.


 * 2019 – Canto for viola solo (2018) by Roxanna Panufnik
 * 2016 – fenodyree for viola solo (2015) by Stuart MacRae
 * 2013 – 6 Sorano Variants for viola solo (2012) by Peter Maxwell Davies; published by Boosey & Hawkes
 * 2010 – Petite Sonatine 1 for viola solo (2009) by Roger Steptoe; published by Editions BIM
 * 2006 – Darkness Draws In for viola solo, Op. 102 (2005) by David Matthews; published by Faber Music Ltd.
 * 2003 – Through a Limbeck for viola solo (2002) by John Woolrich; published by Faber Music Ltd.
 * 2000 – Pennillion for viola solo (1998) by Sally Beamish; available through the Scottish Music Centre; This work was selected, not commissioned.
 * 1997 – Rondel for viola solo (1996) by Richard Rodney Bennett; published by Novello & Co.
 * 1994 – Odd Man Out for viola solo (1994) by Michael Berkeley; published by Oxford University Press
 * 1991 – February Sonatina for viola solo (1990) by John McCabe; published by Novello & Co.
 * 1988 – Tides of Mananan for viola solo, Op. 64 (1988) by Paul Patterson; published by Josef Weinberger
 * 1984 – Concerto for viola and orchestra, Op. 131 (1983) by Wilfred Josephs; published by Mornington Music Ltd. / Novello & Co.
 * 1980 – Concerto No. 2 in G major for viola and orchestra (1979) by Gordon Jacob; published by Boosey & Hawkes