Tibor Varga International Violin Competition Announces 2023 Finalists

Tune in to The Violin Channel for the two-part final — being held in Sion, Switzerland on August 31 and September 2, 2023

Organized by the Fondation Sion Violon Musique, the Tibor Varga International Violin Competition, in Sion, Valais, aims to discover new talents, enrich the experience and musical practice of the participants, and provide encouragement to the winners for the rest of their careers.

On August 31 and September 2, the three finalists will take part in the final in two parts – one for chamber music and the other with orchestra. Watch them live on The Violin Channel.

With 149 registrations, it recorded a new increase in participation of 20% compared to the last edition. Only 25 candidates were been selected to take part in the public rounds — of whom 11 are from Asia/Oceania, 12 from Europe, and 2 from America. The three finalists are:

• Rennosuke Fukuda, 23, Japanese
• Seohyun Kim, 14, South Korean
• Raphael Nussbaumer, 17, Swiss

On August 31 and September 2, the three finalists will take part in the final in two parts – one for chamber music and the other with orchestra.

The 2023 jury comprises Augustin Dumay (President), James Brown, Mihaela Martin, Natsumi Tamai, Ingolf Turban, Pavel Vernikov, Silvia Colasanti, Ashley Wass, Stella Chen, and Alexander Chaushian.

Up to 39,000 CHF (~$40,000 US) will be awarded in prizes. The First Prize will receive CHF 20’000, Second Prize CHF 10’000, and Third Prize CHF 5’000.

The Prize for Best Interpretation of the piece by Silvia Colasanti is valued at CHF 3'000. There will also be a Youth Jury Prize (CHF 500) and an Audience Prize (CHF 500).

Previous major prize winners include VC Artists Ji Won Song and Paul Huang.