The laureates of the 4th Alberto Lysy International Violin Competition

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Joint first prize was awarded at the competition, held in Switzerland from 8 to 10 October 2026

joint first

Sara Isabelle Ispas (left) and Zi Yang Low (right), joint first prize winners, during their performances in the final

Australian violinist Sara Isabelle Ispas, 22, and Malaysian violinist Zi Yang Low, 22, shared first prize at the fourth Alberto Lysy International Violin Competition, held in Gstaad and Saanen, Switzerland, from 8 to 10 October 2026. South Korean violinist Yuna Sung, 16, received second prize.

Yuna Sung, second prize winner, performing in the final with the Sinfonieorchester St.Gallen, conducted by Pietro Rizzo

The competition brought together 17 young violinists selected from 183 applications representing 44 nationalities. The first round featured solo repertoire, with seven competitors progressing to the semi-final, where they performed with piano accompaniment.

Three finalists were then selected to perform at the concluding concert at the Church of Saanen on 10 October, accompanied by the Sinfonieorchester St. Gallen under the direction of its chief conductor, Pietro Rizzo.

Zi Yang Low performing with the Sinfonieorchester St.Gallen during the final

Alongside the main prizes, Sara Isabelle Ispas received the Audience Award and will be invited to perform at the Gstaad Menuhin Festival & Academy in summer 2027 as part of its Matinées des Jeunes Étoiles concert series.

She is also set to perform at the Bois qui Chante Festival, while Zi Yang Low has been offered a performance opportunity at the 2027 NUME Festival in Cortona, Italy. These opportunities extend the competition’s reach beyond the event itself, connecting young violinists with future performance platforms.

Taiwanese semi-finalist I-Hao Cheng was awarded the Special Prize.

Sara Isabelle Ispas shaking hands with conductor Pietro Rizzo during the final, with the Sinfonieorchester St.Gallen on stage at the Church of Saanen

The competition’s international jury brought together accomplished performers and distinguished pedagogues: violinists and violists Adelina Oprean, Philippe Graffin, Raphaël Oleg and Ettore Causa, alongside cellist and conductor Daniel Geiss. Their expertise brought together perspectives from leading European and American musical institutions.

Jury members and prize winners (from left to right): Raphaël Oleg, Ettore Causa, I-Hao Cheng (special prize), Yuna Sung (second prize), Sara Isabelle Ispas and Zi Yang Low (joint first prize winners), Philippe Graffin, Adelina Oprean and Daniel Geiss

Organised by the Rencontres Musicales–Camerata Lysy Association in collaboration with the Menuhin Center Saanen, the competition honours the legacy of violinist Alberto Lysy while providing a platform for emerging performers.

By combining an international selection process, a public competition and a final with a professional symphony orchestra, the event offers young musicians an opportunity to present their artistry and take further steps in their concert careers.