Winners of the 2025 Ysaÿe International Violin Competition Announced

The Ysaÿe International Violin Competition (YIMC) concluded its 2025 edition with a series of impressive performances at the Liège Philharmonic Hall in Liège, Belgium, from July 7 to 9. The event showcased exceptional talent from young violinists, culminating in the awarding of prizes in both junior and senior categories.

In the junior category, 13-year-old Yoojun Curtis Lee from Singapore emerged victorious, claiming the first prize of €1,000. Lee, now a student at The Juilliard School Pre-College in New York City, has previously won accolades, including the Gold Award at the 2023 Singapore Raffles International Music Festival Violin Solo Competition.

The second prize of €500 was awarded to South Korean violinist Jiye Kang, while the third prize of €300 was shared between South Korean Seoyun Kim and Australian Carine Suparman.

In the senior category, 20-year-old Julian Kainrath from Italy won the prestigious first prize of €5,000, along with a one-year loan of a fine Italian violin from Florian Leonhard Fine Violins and an opportunity to perform a solo concerto at Prague’s Smetana Hall. Kainrath's musical journey has seen him study under notable instructors such as Boris Kuschnir and Marc Bouchkov, and he has participated in numerous masterclasses and festivals across Europe and the United States.

The second prize in the senior category was awarded to Kaho Takemoto from Japan, who received €2,000, while the third prize of €1,000 was split between Wei-Lin Chen from Taiwan and Ryota Higashi from Japan. Additionally, the Ysaÿe Prize went to South Korean violinist Haewon Lim, recognizing her outstanding performance.

The competition featured a rigorous selection process, with junior contestants required to perform a study or caprice, a virtuoso piece, and the first movement of a violin concerto. Senior competitors faced a demanding repertoire that included a movement from either a Beethoven, Schubert, or Brahms sonata, a solo violin sonata by Eugène Ysaÿe, and the first movement of a concerto from a prescribed set list.

The jury for this year’s competition included distinguished musicians such as YIMC artistic director Ashot Khachatourian, Alexandre Feye, and Philippe Koch, among others. Their collective expertise ensured a high standard of adjudication, reflecting the competition's reputation as a premier event for aspiring violinists.

The Ysaÿe International Violin Competition, named after the renowned Belgian violinist Eugène Ysaÿe, has been a platform for young musicians since its inception, promoting excellence in violin performance and encouraging the next generation of artists. The competition's impact extends beyond awards, fostering international connections and opportunities for young talent.

For more details on the competition and its winners, visit the official YIMC website.