Double String Success

Monday 6 June 2011

RCM performers have snapped up the top two prizes in the prestigious Windsor Festival International String Competition.

Following an exciting three days of competition, which saw eight exceptionally talented young violinists, violists and cellists aged between 16 and 26 years travel from all around the world to compete, first prize went to current student and Japanese cellist Yuki Ito, while second prize went to a recent graduate: violinist Jiafeng Chen.

The title carries with it an impressive list of prizes. Yuki Ito will perform a concerto with the Philharmonia, the Competition’s associate orchestra, on 18 September 2011 in the opening concert of the 2011 Windsor Festival. He has also received a fine contemporary bow to the value of £5,000 from Bishop Instruments & Bows, a £5,000 cash prize and a minimum of two recitals, including a performance at Sir William Walton’s home La Mortella, Ischia. For his fine second prize, Jiafeng Chen received a cash prize of £2,000. Currently in his fourth year at the RCM, Yuki Ito is studying under Alexander Boyarsky with the Soirée d’Or full scholarship. After winning the competition, Yuki said: “I have been overwhelmed by the kindness and support which my family and I and all the competitors have received from everyone involved in mounting this fantastic Competition. It is a huge honour to win and I am very excited about returning to Windsor in September to perform with the Philharmonia.”

Martin Denny, Director of Windsor Festival added: "We have been delighted by the supremely high standard of performances in this year’s competition. Our distinguished jury has had the most wonderful three days of superb music-making from these talented young musicians and the unenviable task of choosing a winner. Yuki’s innate musicality and a highly communicative technique tipped the balance over second prize winner, 24-year-old Chinese violinist Jiafeng Chen – a most gifted and technically consummate performer."

Congratulations to them both.