Since 1986, the Irving M. Klein International String Competition has attracted some of the world’s finest young string players to San Francisco each June to compete for cash and performance prizes totaling over $30,000. For 50 years, we’ve been dedicated to our mission of nurturing and championing the world’s finest young string players and to developing wider audiences for classical music through the Klein Competition, public concerts, master classes and community outreach right here in the Bay Area. Launched in 1986, “The Klein” enjoys international acclaim as one of the most prestigious classical music competitions in the world. We support these exceptional early-career players, assisting them with the development of professional and performance skills, encouraging their community involvement, and providing them with performance opportunities and monetary support.