Winners Announced for 13th Vaclav Huml International Violin Competition

The results of the 13th Vaclav Huml International Violin Competition were announced on July 8, 2025, in Zagreb, Croatia, showcasing the talents of emerging violinists from around the globe. The competition, which featured 22 international candidates, culminated in a final round where three winners were selected based on their performances with the Zagreb Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Pavle Zajcev.

Maria Sotriffer from Austria claimed the prestigious Zlatko Baloković Prize, valued at €6,000, with her exceptional performance. According to the competition organizers, this award was supported by Thomastik–Infield, a renowned string instrument manufacturer based in Vienna. Second place was awarded to Vadym Perig from Ukraine, who received €3,500, with support from the Edwulstrad RMIC SA music shop in Geneva. Jiaqi Li from China secured third place, receiving €2,500, an award that honored the memory of Eleonora Čalogović, née Huml.

The competition began with an online selection process that led to the live rounds held from July 2 to July 8. A total of twelve candidates advanced to the second round, culminating in the finals. The event not only highlighted the technical proficiency of the participants but also their expressive capabilities, as they performed concertos with a prestigious orchestra.

Special awards were also granted during the event. Maria Sotriffer earned two concert dates with the Zagreb Philharmonic and the Zagreb Soloists, while Croatian violinist Ana Labazan Brajša and Taiwanese violinist Tao-Yuan Hsiao each secured performances at the Milko Kelemen Days Festival, held in Slatina. Ugnė Liepa Žuklytė of Lithuania was recognized for the best performance of a work by J.S. Bach and received an Accord case, while Tao-Yuan Hsiao won for the best interpretation of the mandatory piece, 'Music for Solo Violin' by Milko Kelemen.

The international jury, led by chairman Pavel Vernikov, comprised several esteemed musicians, including Eduard Wulfson, Goran Končar, Anđelko Krpan, Leonid Sorokow, Kimiko Nakazawa, and Elly Suh. Their collective expertise ensured a rigorous selection process that reflected the high standards of the competition.

The Vaclav Huml International Violin Competition, named after the esteemed Croatian violinist and educator, has grown in prominence since its inception. It serves not only as a platform for young talents but also as a celebration of the violin repertoire, inspiring future generations of musicians. As the competition continues to evolve, it remains a significant event in the international classical music calendar, contributing to the cultural landscape of Croatia and beyond.