35 top international violinists to perform in Singapore

SINGAPORE - The Singapore International Violin Competition (SIVC) has announced the 35 violinists from 14 countries to come to Singapore to perform in January.

The first rounds of competition will be open to the public for free, SIVC said in a statement today.

Ticket prices range from $10 for the Semi-Finals to $25 for the Grand Final, which will be held at the Esplanade Concert Hall on Jan 21. A $60 Season Ticket is also available.

The SIVC was launched in June as a showcase for aspiring professional violinists from around the world and the winner will receive prize money of US$50,000 (S$63,600), a recording produced and distributed globally, and international performance opportunities with some of the world's great orchestras.

The winner will also get a three-year instrument loan from the collection of fine rare instruments of Mr and Mrs Rin Kei Mei, said the SIVC.

The 35 candidates include recent prize winners of other international competitions, SIVC said.

The organiser said that over 148 applications from 27 countries were received.

sinsh@sph.com.sg