2017's youngest finalist, Meltzer wins a £5,000 cash award, a fine contemporary bow from Bishop Instruments and Bows, a solo recording on Champs Hill Records and performance opportunities

meltzer

Nathan Meltzer has been named the winner of the sixth Windsor Festival International String Competition, following Friday's final, held at Windsor Castle, UK.

The 16-year-old US violinist - the youngest competitor selected to take part in both the semi-final and final rounds - wins a £5,000 cash award, a concerto performance with the Philharmonia Orchestra during this year’s Windsor Festival, a fine contemporary bow to the value of £5,000 from Bishop Instruments and Bows, a solo recording on Champs Hill Records, and further performance opportunities.  A student of Itzhak Perlman and Li Lin on the Juilliard School's Pre-College Division, he also won this year's Audience Prize.

Second prize went to 24-year-old Jonian Ilias Kadesha from Greece, while third prize was awarded to 26-year-old Luke Hsu from USA.

This year’s jury included violinist Pierre Amoyal, violist Edward Vanderspar, cellist Raphael Wallfisch, Philharmonia Orchestra managing director Helen Sprott, Decca Records executive producer Alexander Van Ingen, and Windsor Festival director Martin Denny.

Open to international violinists, violists and cellists aged between 16 and 26, the biennial contest received 170 applications from 44 countries this year. The 2015 contest was won by violinist Ji Yoon Lee, while winner of the 2013 contest was violinist Benjamin Baker.

For full details visit the competition website.