Classic Violin Olympus president Konstantin Ishkhanov announces conclusion of preselection process

Gulf Network

All twelve finalists for the 2025 Grand Finale are now officially confirmed.

Elli Choi and Ruifeng Lin have been announced as the last two finalists for the Classic Violin Olympus Grand Finale, rounding out the 12 exceptional violinists who will compete in Dubai in April 2025 for the coveted title. The journey to this exclusive finale began in March 2024, spanning six prestigious preselection rounds held across global music capitals including Tokyo, Vienna, New York, London, Rome, and Dubai.

“It has been an incredible few months”, said Konstantin Ishkhanov, the President of Classic Violin Olympus, “The performances that we’ve been privileged to witness have been truly outstanding, and I would like to deeply congratulate all our amazing finalists from Armenia, China, Poland, Austria, Switzerland, Japan, Sweden, the USA, and South Korea for making it to this next stage!”

Each preselection contest hosted 20 talented violinists from around the world, all vying for a share of the €35,000 prize fund and one of two spots in the Grand Finale. This last event, hosted from November 1st to 5th at Dubai’s Emirates Academy of Hospitality Management, saw intense competition as participants showcased their artistry under the scrutiny of a distinguished jury. Led by Jury Chairman Pavel Vernikov (Switzerland), the panel included noted violinists Eszter Haffner (Austria), Massimo Quarta (Italy), Itzhak Rashkovsky (UK), and Yamei Yu (China/Germany).

“Konstantin Ishkhanov and Pavel Vernikov’s efforts to establish the Classic Violin Olympus International Competition mark a refreshing addition to the violin competition landscape” juror Eszter Haffner remarked. “This competition is a brilliant idea. Their initiative not only broadens opportunities for violinists without age limits but also brings new perspectives by emphasising high-calibre artistry and wide geographical reach.”

During this rigorous five-day competition, candidates performed a varied programme including one of Paganini's 24 caprices, the first movement of a Mozart concerto, and a violin sonata by Composer-in-Residence Alexey Shor. The 10 participants advancing to the Second Round displayed further mastery with a selection from a broader repertoire, highlighting their individual artistic voices in 30-40 minute solo or piano-accompanied performances.

Elli Choi took home First Prize, earning €20,000, while Ruifeng Lin received €10,000 for Second Prize, and Issei Kurihara was awarded €5,000 for Third Prize. Choi and Lin are now eligible to join the Grand Finale in Dubai, with all expenses covered, where they will compete against other preselection winners.

As this preliminary phase draws to a close, Classic Violin Olympus gears up for its revolutionary Grand Finale. The final competition in April will challenge each of the 12 finalists through a unique six-phase programme, which will include solo and ensemble performances, orchestral works, and an interactive Q&A session with an esteemed panel of 25 jurors. The ultimate winner will claim the top spot and a share of the €310,000 prize fund.

“I am extremely satisfied with the way everything is going”, Vernikov, who is the Artistic Director of Classic Violin Olympus, declared, “from the organisation to the level of the participants. The goals that Konstantin Ishkhanov and I set for ourselves were 100% fulfilled; even more than that, we surpassed our expectations. It is wonderful to have a partner like him for an event of this magnitude, and judging by the feedback, I can confidently say that Konstantin Ishkhanov and I have already stirred up the world of classical music competitions. Our project has moved away from the traditional form, and I am now very excited to see all these wonderful finalists in performance this coming April”.

For updates, visit classicviolinolympus.com.