Two cellists and a violinist will proceed to the final round on the evening of 15 March

WFISC-Finalists-3

The three finalists (l-r) Leon Blekh, Leland Ko and Andrew Byun

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Three string players have been selected to perform in the final of the 9th Windsor Festival International String Competition, which will be held at 7:30pm 15 March at Eton College. This follows the semi-final rounds held on 12 and 13 March.

They are cellists Leland Ko (25, US/Canada) and Andrew Byun (25, Canada) and violinist Leon Blekh (24, Netherlands). 

Each competitor will perform their chosen 25-minute programme in front of live public and global streamed audiences and the WFISC Panel of international Jury comprising Joji Hattori, Lars Anders Tomter, Natalie Clein, Martin Denny, Alexander Van Ingen and James Williams.

His Royal Highness, The Duke of Edinburgh, Patron of Windsor Festival, will present prizes for the 9th WFISC at the final in Eton College.

The winner will receive prizes to the value of over £30,000. These includes a concerto performance with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra (RPO) in Windsor Castle during Windsor Festival 2024, further concerto performances in the RPO’s UK Regional Touring Programme, a solo recording opportunity with Champs Hill Records, further recital and concerto opportunities, and a cash prize of £5,000.

Audience members have the opportunity to cast their vote for the audience prize. Further cash prizes of £2,000 and £1,000 will be awarded for second and third place respectively.

WFISC was launched in 2008, in memory of festival founder, and violinist, Yehudi Menuhin. Sharing knowledge, aspiration, and experience, WFISC forges future international connections. Recent winners include: Jiyoon Lee, Nathan Meltzer, Jonathan Swensen and Daniil Bulayev.

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