Russian-Australian Guitarist Awarded Grand Prize at Gisborne International in New Zealand

22 year old Russian-born Australian classical guitarist Andrey Lebedev has been awarded 1st Prize at the 2013 Gisborne International Music Competition, in New Zealand.

2nd Prize was awarded to New Zealand cellist Catherine Kwak - and 3rd Prize to Australian cellist Sam Lucas.

The annual competition, open to solo orchestral instrumentalists aged 16-25, is regarded as one of the most significant development bursaries in the Australasian region.

It is only the second time, in the competition's 24 year history, that a violinist has not progressed to the final round.

Andrey, a graduate of the Australian National University School of Music, will receive NZD $8000 and a performance engagement with the Orchestra Wellington.

Cellist Jack Bailey from Australia was awarded the 'Most Promising Player Award' scholarship – and Australian violinist Anna Da Silva Chen the 'Ian Dunsmore Memorial Prize' for 'Most Outstanding Performance of a Piece'.

Previous 1st prize winners include violinists James Dong, Jonathan Mui, Xenia Deviatkina-Loh, Alexandra Osborne and Natalia Lomeiko.