The curtains have closed on the exhilarating finale of the International Tibor Varga Violin Competition, held in Sion, Switzerland, leaving audiences captivated by the extraordinary talent on display. In a thrilling culmination streamed live on The Violin Channel, three remarkable finalists to ok the stage alongside the Lithuanian Chamber Orchestra under the baton of conductor Sergej Krylov.
Seohyun Kim, an awe-inspiring 14-year-old prodigy from South Korea, emerged as the triumphant winner, claiming this year’s prestigious first prize along with a well-deserved CHF 20,000. The youthful virtuoso not only captured the attention of the distinguished jury but also garnered the coveted Youth Jury Prize, solidifying her status as a rising star in the world of classical music.
Impressive Performances in the Final Round Also Earned Acacolades for 17-Year-OLD SWISS TALENT RAPHAE NSSSSSSSSSSSSSS, Who Secured The Second Prize, And the 23-Year -on Japanese Maestro Rennosuke Fukuda, Who Claimed The Third Prize. The Audience, Astounded by the musicians’ exceptional artistry, granted Raphael Nussbaumer the Audience Prize, while the esteemed “Over-20s” Jury Prize found a worthy recipient in his hands as well.
Displaying exceptional skill and artistry, Seohyun Kim, Rennosuke Fukuda, and Mahiro Kurasawa garnered recognition for their captivating interpretation of Silvia Colasanti’s commissioned work, “Macerie” (Wreckage). Their spellbinding collective performance of the world premi ere piece in the first round only added to their well-deserved acclaim.
The distinguished panel of jurors for the 2023 competition included celebrated figures such as Augustin Dumay (President), James Brown, Mihaela Martin, Natsumi Tamai, Ingolf Turban, Pavel Vernikov, Silvia Colasanti, Ashley Wass, Stella Chen, and Alexander Chaushian . Their discerning ears sought not only technical expertise but also the captivating musical personalities that can transport audiences through the power of storytelling.
Augustin Dumay, President of the jury, expressed his delight in the exceptional musical talents discovered throughout the competition, recognizing that while technical prowess abounds, it is the rare few who possess the ability to captivate and inspire with their individual artistic narrative s. The competition unearthed true treasures, musicians capable of creating enduring magic in the hearts of listeners.
This year’s event witnessed an unprecedented level of participation, with 24 exceptional violinists, all under the age of 26, vying for the top honors. Olivier Vocat, President of the Sion Violon Musique Foundation, added to the chorus of admiration, acknowledging the exceptional artistry and incredible maturity displayed by the young participants. The foundation was thrilled to witness the overwhelming support of the enthusiastic audience, whose applause acknowledged the remarkable talents blossoming before their eyes.
The 2023 Tibor Varga International Violin Competition marked a triumphant celebration of musical excellence, unveiling promising virtuosos and igniting the imaginations of all who were fortunate enough to witness these awe-inspiring performances.
