Finalists Announced at 2025 Ion Voicu International Violin Competition

The three finalists will perform with the George Enescu Philharmonic Orchestra under the baton of maestro Gabriel Bebeșelea

The first edition of the Ion Voicu International Violin Competition is taking place in Bucharest from April 7 to 12, 2025. Open to applicants aged between 16 and 30, from anywhere in the world, the 2025 finalists include:

• Wakana Kimura
• Jaime Naya
• Koshiro Takeuchi

The final three will perform at the Romanian Athenaeum, accompanied by the George Enescu Philharmonic Orchestra under the baton of maestro Gabriel Bebeșelea.

A special prize was given to Elie Hackel for their performance of the Ion Voicu work.

First Prize carries a value of €6,000, Second Prize is worth €4,000, and Third Prize €2,000 — plus all three prizewinners will receive an opportunity to appear as soloist alongside a major Romanian orchestra.

In 2025, the jury comprises of Mihaela Martin (Chair), George Tudorache (Artistic Director), Pavel Vernikov, Lucie Robert, and Alexandru Tomescu.