DUBAI (The Violin Channel) — The inaugural Classic Violin Olympus International Competition recently ended in Dubai, UAE. The final round is available to watch on The Violin Channel.
Haik Kazazyan, 42, from Armenia won the first prize on April 28, consisting of €200,000 ($226,000) and a Stradivari model violin specially crafted by the violinmaker Fabio Piagentini.
“This is really unbelievable, like a dream,” Haik said onstage upon receiving the reward. “Thank you for appreciating my playing and my art. I feel a big responsibility to everyone who believed in me today to continue my own constant improvement.”
During the final round, the 12 violinists competed in a six-phase program designed to bring out varying skills — including a performance with the Armenian State Symphony Orchestra and the Madrid Philharmonic Orchestra, solo performances, and a Q&A with the jurors.
The remaining 11 finalists were awarded €10,000 in prize money.
Additionally, the 25-member jury board of preeminent conductors and directors of acclaimed orchestras, festivals, and concert series will each offer a number of finalists the opportunity to perform live at one of their upcoming concerts.
