The Ysaÿe International Music Competition, Belgium's leading violin competition, will hold its finals in Korea for the first time. The international competition was established in 2018 to honor the achievements and musical philosophy of Eugène Ysaÿe, the world-renowned Belgian violinist and composer. Held annually, the competition is separate from the Queen Elisabeth Competition, which began in 1937 with the Ysaÿe Competition as its predecessor.
Competition officials and judges held a press conference at Rodeart Center in Seocho-gu, Seoul, on Friday, introducing the significance of the finals to be held at Icheon Art Center on the 10th and 11th, as well as future plans. Elena Lavrenov, the general director, said, "As a significant number of participants are from Asia, we pursued the idea of holding the finals outside Belgium," adding, "We met the best partner in Korea and are holding our first overseas finals here."
The Korean hosting was spearheaded by Namkara, principal of the Korea International Art School (KISA), who served as a judge for the competition last year. He also served as co-general director of the Korean finals. Starting next year, the organizers plan to hold the finals biennially, alternating between Korea and Liège, Belgium.
Indeed, the proportion of Asian artists among this year's finalists is overwhelming. Of the eight finalists in the junior division, seven are from Korea, China, and Taiwan, excluding one U.S. national, while in the senior division, seven of the 12 are of Asian nationality. From Korea, a total of three advanced to the finals, including one in the junior division and two in the senior division. This year's competition drew 121 participants from 23 countries worldwide, of whom 20 reached the finals stage.
The organizers explained that hosting in Korea carries the meaning of cultural exchange beyond a simple change of venue. With a European international competition being held in Korea, they explained, it will provide an opportunity for young violinists at home and abroad to exchange with one another and gain international stage experience.
Joel Smirnoff, the chairman of the jury, said, "Korean performers are mastering the classical repertoire with remarkable passion and diligence," adding, "I think it is now time for classical music to learn from the East." The jury also includes violinist Stefan Jackiw, violist Choi Eun-sik, and competition artistic director Ashot Khachatourian.
Notably, this year's finals introduce orchestra accompaniment for the first time, unlike previous competitions. Until now, the finals had centered on concertos with piano accompaniment and unaccompanied sonatas, but from this year, a stage performing with an actual orchestra has been arranged.
During the competition, various side events will also be held, including master classes, an exhibition of prized Stradivarius instruments, and a gala concert for the prize winners, providing domestic classical music enthusiasts with a broader opportunity to experience an international competition.
