Winners Announced at Vienna Classic Violin Competition

Japanese violinist Yuki Hirano has won the €20,000 first prize, in addition to an invitation to the Classic Violin Olympus competition in Dubai

The global journey towards the anticipated Classic Violin Olympus International Competition continues to gain momentum as the curtain fell on the second of the competition's six prestigious preselection contests. 

Held from April 1 - 5, 2024, at the Music and Arts University of the City of Vienna, the event showcased the artistry of 20 violinists vying for a coveted spot in Classic Violin Olympus’s Grand Finale, with only the top two going on to win eligibility to take part in the invite-only event.

Yuki Hirano received the First Prize, Mariusz Patyra secured Second Prize, and Ruifeng Lin was awarded Third Prize. In addition to their share of the €35,000 prize pool, with Hirano receiving €20,000, Patyra €10,000, and Lin €5,000, both Hirano and Patyra earned eligibility to participate in Classic Violin Olympus, with all expenses covered.

Led by Jury Chairman Pavel Vernikov (Switzerland), the jury panel also included Christian Altenburger (Austria), Miguel da Silva (France/Switzerland), Vera Tsu-Weiling (China), and Ingolf Turban (Germany). 

Throughout the contest’s five-day run, each violinist presented a diverse program designed to illuminate all facets of their musical skillset. In the initial round, candidates presented their renditions of one of Niccolò Paganini's 24 caprices of their choice, followed by the first movement of a concerto by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, chosen from a predetermined list, and the captivating Violin Sonata by Composer-in-Residence Alexey Shor and Mikhail Pletnev. 

Those who made it to the Second Round embraced a more flexible repertoire, showcasing their individuality with a virtuoso piece for violin solo or accompanied by piano, within a 30-40 minute timeframe.

The inaugural Classic Violin Olympus International Competition involves six preliminary competitions held across Tokyo, Vienna, New York, London, Rome, and Dubai, to select two top-ranking violinists from each city to compete in the grand final in Dubai in 2025.

Open to violinists of any age, the competitions in each of the cities involve a prize fund of €35,000.

As the spotlight now shifts to New York, where the third preselection event awaits at the Manhattan School of Music from May 27 - 31, 2024, anticipation mounts as to who will secure the next two slots for the Grand Finale.

Tune into the classicviolinolympus.com for the latest updates, as we embark on a countdown to one of the most significant new events in the realm of strings!