US–Japanese violinist Lin Tokura receives the first prize scholarship of €5,000 and a recording opportunity
This year marked the 60th edition of Concertino Praga – the Antonín Dvořák International Radio Competition for Young Musicians. The final round of the keyboard and strings division took place on 18 September at the Dvořák Hall of the Rudolfinum in Prague, Czech Republic, with seven finalists performing with the Prague Radio Symphony Orchestra and conductor Marek Šedivý.
The first prize was awarded to US–Japanese violinist Lin Tokura (b.2011), following her performance of the Sibelius Violin Concerto. She receives a scholarship worth €5,000 and a recording opportunity with Czech Radio. She also won the audience prize.
Tokura is currently studying with Robin Wilson at the Yehudi Menuhin School in the United Kingdom. Among her accolades, she has won the grand prize at the 2023 Vancouver International Music Competition, first prize at the 2023 Kocian Violin Competition, second prize at the 2022 Arthur Grumiaux International Violin Competition and third prize at the 2025 Piccolo Violino Magico competition.
The second prize was won by New Zealand pianist Xuyao Bai (b.2010) and the third prize by Czech cellist Tobiáš Balkovský (b.2010), receiving scholarships of €2,800 and €1,700 respectively.
The first class honourable mention and scholarship of €700 was awarded to Czech pianist Valentýna Ibriqi (b.2012), while the second class honourable mentions were given to US cellist Daniel Wang (b.2012), Czech harpist Michaela Odvárková (b.2010) and Czech pianist Jaroslav Skalka (b.2010).
The scholarships provided can be used for the repair or purchase of instruments, the purchase of sheet music, and the costs of participation in music courses and competitions.
The jury for the final round comprised Jonathan Freeman-Attwood, Jana Brožková, Katarina Gurska, Jiří Hlaváč, Václav Hudeček, Ivo Kahánek, Cyprien Katsaris, Lukáš Moťka, Václav Petr, Dmitry Sitkovetsky and Henrik Wiese.
The competition celebrated the results on social media:
‘What a night it was! The keyboard and string instruments category brought together exceptional young musicians, each with a distinctive musical voice and an unforgettable performance… Congratulations to all the prizewinners and finalists — and thank you for an unforgettable evening at the 60th edition of Concertino Praga!’
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