Young Australian lands top prize at Menuhin competition

Nineteen-year-old Ray Chen (pictured above receiving the award) was dubbed 'superb' by a panel of world-class performers at the 25th anniversary of the Yehudi Menuhin International Violin Competition in Cardiff. The winners were chosen over a 10-day period from a group of 40 competitors, all under 22 and from a range of nationalities.

Two dedicated fans made the trip from down under to catch the end of the competition, which culminated in a closing gala and awards ceremony at the Wales Millennium Centre.

Second prize in the senior section was awarded to Jaifen Cheng, 21 and from China, with third prize and the Bach special prize going to 19-year-old Evgeny Sviridov from Russia. Fourth prize went to 16-year-old American Stella Chen.

Chad Hoopes, 13 and from the US, bagged the junior prize while the composer's prize in this section went to 14-year-old South Korean Yu-Ah Ok.

Gordon Back, the competition director, said: 'It has been amazing experience for all who have been involved - competitors, jury, organisers and audiences alike.

'As a Welshman I am delighted that the first visit to Wales for the competition has been a resounding success.'

http://www.menuhincompetition.org/

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