Put a bow on it: Top violinists perform in Boca 

Elmar Oliveira International Violin Competition offers free viewing until Sunday’s final round at Lynn University.

Call it the violin Olympics. Call it the great hunt for the next Itzhak Perlman or Yehudi Menuhin. 

At Lynn University in Boca Raton, it’s called the Elmar Oliveira International Violin Competition. The contest, which began on Thursday and continues this week, offers an up close and personal view of the artistry and rigors of playing what is considered the king, or at least the queen, of instruments. And, until the all-important final round on Sunday, it’s free.

What’s at stake? Twenty young violinists from 11 countries made the cut to vie for $175,000 in prizes. Already 12 have been eliminated. The remaining eight will compete in the semifinals on Tuesday and Wednesday, hoping to make it to the final four.

If you go: The semis will begin at 10 a.m. and wrap up at 4 p.m. Once a contestant starts to play, no one is allowed to leave the small auditorium in the Count and Countess de Hoernle International Center. Other than that, audience members are free to stay as long — or as briefly — as they want.

Zoom in: Contestants must be between the ages of 18 and 30. Each has to play three pieces from a playlist. Think Bach, Mozart, Brahms and Ravel. Two have to be performed from memory. A team of seven world-renowned violinists will rate each performance. At 4 p.m. Wednesday, four contestants will learn whether they won a spot in the finals.

What’s next: High-stakes drama continues on Sunday. At 3 p.m., each of the finalists will play a concerto of their choice (from an approved list and from memory) with the Lynn Philharmonia at the Keith C. and Elaine Johnson Wold Performing Arts Center. The performance will culminate with the announcement of who won the $30,000 first prize, a violin and concert appearances around the globe for three years. Second place will receive $15,000, third place $10,000 and $5,000 for honorable mention. Tickets cost $35 to $50. 

Of note: If you miss it, mark your calendar. Since it’s held every three years, it will be back in 2029.