Southern Violin Makers Competition Announces Winners

Southern Violin Association (SVA) held its third biannual event in Little Switzerland, North Carolina

Erik Iván Diaz-Garcia, who received the gold medal for violin workmanship and the highest score, will serve on the jury for the next competition in 2023.

Unique to this year, only violin and viola luthiers could enter the competition. Additionally, due to the ongoing pandemic, venue restrictions barred the luthiers from accessing the judging hall.

The jury comprised Stephanie Voss, Jerry Pasewicz, and Jaime Gonzalez for workmanship — and Olga Shpitko, Juan Ramírez, and Jonathan Wright for tone.

A full list of the winners include:

Violin Workmanship

• Gold: Erik Iván Diaz-Garcia

• Silver: Pablo Alfaro

• Bronze: Felix Sandre Ochoa

Violin Tone

• Gold: J. Wesley Rule

• Silver: Henry Fisher

• Bronze: Pablo Alfaro

Viola Workmanship

• Gold: Pablo Alfaro

• Silver: Liliana Holguín Barraza

• Bronze: Ken Cousson

Viola Tone

• Gold: Pablo Alfaro

• Silver: Liliana Holguín Barraza

• Bronze: David Chandler

Southern Maker Award:

• J. Wesley Rule

Novice Maker Award:

• Liliana Holguín Barraza

Highest Workmanship Score Violin or Viola – Next Competition Judge:

• Erik Iván Diaz-Garcia