Winner Announced at 2021 Vladimir Spivakov International Violin Competition

21-year-old German Spanish Malaysian violinist Elias David Moncado was awarded first prize

A current student of Pierre Amoyal at the Mozarteum Salzburg, Elias David Moncado is a former major prize winner at the Hindemith, Andrea Postacchini, Karol Lipinski, Sendai, and Telemann International Violin Competitions.

It is his second international 1st prize in two weeks, after claiming the top prize at the Valsesia International Violin Competition in Varallo, Italy last Tuesday.

He was awarded a 1918 Giuseppe Pedrazzini fine violin — valued at US $130,000.

24-year-old Chisa Kitagawa from Japan and 22-year-old Jaewon Wee from South Korea have been awarded second and third prizes respectively.

"I am overwhelmed with emotions and I still can't believe it! This is such a big dream for me!” David told The Violin Channel.

"During the final round, this week in Ufa, performing the Tchaikovsky Concerto, I just felt so inspiring and uplifting, like a concert — I was on top of the world. I would like to thank my parents, all my supportive colleagues and teachers, particularly my current teacher Professor Pierre Amoyal at the Mozarteum University Salzburg — and of course, everyone who took part in organizing this year's Spivakov Festival and Competition.”

This year's jury comprised Mikhail Kopelman (Chairman), Vladimir Spivakov, Boris Kuschnir, Joji Hattori, and Julie Reed-Yeboah.

Previous prizewinners include VC Young Artists Daniel Lozakovich and María Dueñas.