News

Internationally acclaimed violinist Andrey Baranov, a finalist of the Classic Violin Olympus, has been announced as professor and artistic leader of an International Violin Masterclass hosted by Folkwang University of the Arts in June 2026.

Swiss violinist Andrey Baranov, a finalist of the Classic Violin Olympus, appeared as soloist with the ADDA Simfònica Alicante on 29 May 2026 in Alicante, Spain.

Internationally acclaimed violinist Haik Kazazyan, the winner of Classic Violin Olympus 2025, appeared in concert on 13 April 2026 at the renowned Laeiszhalle Hamburg, joining the Neue Philharmonie Hamburg under the baton of conductor Martin Panteleev.

Yuki Hirano, one of the most exciting emerging violinists of her generation and a finalist of the Classic Violin Olympus 2025 International Competition, is set to make her highly anticipated debut at the Lucerne Festival on 25 August 2025, appearing alongside pianist Chizu Miyamoto at Lukaskirche, as a prize from Christiane Weber.

Violinist Haik Kazazyan, winner of Classic Violin Olympus 2025, will perform a special prize concert on 5 March 2027. The concert is presented as a distinguished special prize awarded by Daye Lin in recognition of Kazazyan’s outstanding achievement and artistic excellence during the competition.

On 30 April 2026, violinist Elli Choi, finalist of Classic Violin Olympus 2025, gave a distinguished concert in Nendeln at the Hagenhaus Peter-Kaiser-Konzertsaal, as part of a prestigious special prize awarded by Drazen Domjanic in recognition of her outstanding artistry and remarkable success in the competition.

As the highpoint of our “Festival of Music”, we’re exploring the boundaries of classical music itself. The alphorn player Lisa Stoll will be joining the Swiss Orchestra to present Swiss folk melodies and music by Leopold Mozart, while the violinist Yuki Hirano will offer an embarrassment of riches with a neoclassical work and a virtuosic Carmen Fantasy. The “Festival of Music” will bring all-day performances to Andermatt Reussen in a myriad of musical styles.

The MYTHEN concert featuring Soyoung Yoon, finalist of the Classic Violin Olympus, took place on 16 April 2026 at the Hagenhaus Peter-Kaiser-Konzertsaal, offering audiences an evening of refined artistry and expressive depth.

Renowned violinist and pedagogue Pavel Vernikov, Chairman of Classic Violin Olympus, has been appointed as a member of the jury for the Montreal International Music Competition 2026.

Rising violinist Jingzu Li, finalist of the Classic Violin Olympus 2025, is set to appear as a soloist at the Accordi Musicali Festival 2026, marking another important milestone in her rapidly ascending international career.

Violinist Yuki Hirano, a finalist of the Classic Violin Olympus, recently gave a special Gala Concert at the SAL – Saal am Lindaplatz. The performance took place as part of the Music Academy Gala and was presented as a special prize awarded by Drazen Domjanic.

The acclaimed violinist Andrey Baranov, a finalist of the Classic Violin Olympus, will join the faculty of the Accordi Musicali Academy in 2026, where he will lead a series of masterclasses for young violinists. The Academy will take place from 30 July to 12 August 2026 in Italy’s picturesque Abruzzo region, continuing its mission to provide exceptional artistic training in an inspiring cultural setting.

On 30 April 2026, violinist Elli Choi, finalist of Classic Violin Olympus 2025, will present a special concert in Nendeln at the Hagenhaus Peter-Kaiser-Konzertsaal. The performance forms part of a distinguished special prize awarded by Drazen Domjanic, recognising her outstanding artistry and remarkable achievement in the competition.

Violinist Soyoung Yoon, finalist of the Classic Violin Olympus, will appear in a special prize recital on Thursday, April 16, 2026, at the distinguished Hagenhaus. The concert is presented as a special award by Drazen Domjanic and organized by Kulmag Culture Management LTD, continuing a tradition of supporting exceptional young artists through meaningful international performance opportunities.

Andrey Baranov, the finalist of Classic Violin Olympus 2025, will appear at the Accordi Musicali Festival in Italy in 2026. Recognized as one of the most successful musicians of his generation, Baranov has built an extraordinary international career as both a commanding soloist and an inspiring chamber music partner, performing on major stages across Europe, the Americas, Africa, and Asia.

Yuki Hirano, finalist of the Classic Violin Olympus, appeared in concert on the 2nd of February as part of a special prize awarded by Tigran Mikaelyan, marking an important milestone in his artistic development following the competition. The concert represented a significant recognition of her talent and growing presence on the international stage.

We are pleased to announce that Yuki Hirano, finalist of the Classic Violin Olympus 2025, appeared in concert at the Bulgaria Concert Hall on January 30, 2026, at 19:00. This performance was presented as part of a special prize awarded by conductor Konstantin Ilievsky, recognizing Yuki Hirano’s outstanding artistry and potential.

Violinist Yuki Hirano will give a special gala concert on 15 March 2026 at the Saal am Lindenplatz (SAL) in Schaan, as part of the Gala Concert of the Music Academy. This performance is presented as a special prize awarded at the Classic Violin Olympus, granted by the distinguished jury member Dražen Domjanić.

Karisa Chiu, finalist of the Classic Violin Olympus, will take part in the upcoming Singapore International Violin Competition. We warmly congratulate her on this step and wish her every success.

We are delighted to announce that Yuki Hirano, esteemed finalist of the Classic Violin Olympus, will perform as a soloist with the Neue Philharmonie Hamburg on 2 February 2026 at the Elbphilharmonie – Grand Hall. This special engagement is awarded as a prize from Tigran Mikaelyan.

December 2025 saw the Royal Opera House in Muscat, Oman, come alive with the electrifying sounds of the Royal Bangkok Symphony Orchestra, conducted by the masterful Sergey Smbatyan. Elli Choi performed as a soloist with Behzod Abduraimov.

As the year draws to a close, the Classic Violin Olympus team would like to extend our warmest wishes for a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to our artists, jury members, partners, and audiences around the world.

Although Classic Violin Olympus has come to a close, our attention remains firmly on its outstanding finalists as they continue to shape their artistic paths. These young musicians impressed audiences and juries alike, and their journeys are only just beginning.

The Teatro Massimo Bellini of Catania witnessed two unforgettable evenings on the 5th and 6th of December 2025, where the young violinist Jingzu Li took center stage and left audiences in awe. Fresh from securing the Special Prize at the Classic Violin Olympus 2025, Li stepped into the Sicilian spotlight for Violino e virtuosité, a symphonic event dedicated to brilliance, flair, and exceptional musicianship.

Lorenz Carls, finalist of the Classic Violin Olympus (CVO), recently appeared as a soloist in a symphonic concert with the Warmian–Masurian Philharmonic Orchestra under the baton of Alexandr Iradyan. The concert featured a distinguished classical programme and marked another important milestone in the young violinist’s artistic career.

On January 30, 2026, the stage of Bulgaria Hall in Sofia will host an exceptional concert titled “Contrasts and Passions”, featuring Yuki Hirano, finalist and special prize winner of the Classic Violin Olympus International Competition 2025. This performance is part of Hirano’s special award, presented by acclaimed conductor Konstantin Ilievsky, who will lead the Sofia Philharmonic Orchestra for the occasion.

Jingzu Li, the Winner of the Special Prize at the Classic Violin Olympus 2025 will shine in “Violino e virtuosité” at Teatro Massimo Bellini on the 5th and 6th of December, 2025 performing works by Alexey Shor, Camille Saint-Saëns, Igor’ Stravinskij and Dmitrij Šostakovič.

As part of her special prize awarded by Drazen Domjanic at the Classic Violin Olympus International Competition, violinist Yuki Hirano was invited to perform in a series of concerts at the Musikakademie Liechtenstein from September 12 to 18, 2025.

Elli Choi, special prize winner of the Classic Violin Olympus Competition, will perform an exciting concert at the Royal Opera House Muscat. Her program features works by Khachaturian, Shor, Waxman, Borodin, Rachmaninoff, and J. Strauss, showcasing her virtuosic skill and expressive range. The performance will be conducted by Sergey Smbatyan, with pianist Behzod Abduraimov joining her on stage.

Violinist Ruifeng Lin, a special prize winner of the Classic Violin Olympus Competition 2025, appeared as soloist with the Shenzhen Symphony Orchestra on October 17, 2025. His performance of the Violin Concerto No. 4 in B minor, alongside Shostakovich’s works, marked a milestone in his rising international career.

On the evening of May 14th, 2025, violin star Elli Choi delivered a stunning performance at Buckingham Palace, joining conductor Marios Papadopoulos and the Oxford Philharmonic String Ensemble for a special gala concert.

Last month, Haik Kazazyan (42) of Armenia, triumphed over eleven fellow finalists at the inaugural Classic Violin Olympus, a week-long competition held at the opulent Zabeel Saray hotel in Dubai.

The inaugural Classic Violin Olympus International Competition concluded in Dubai with 12 top performers from around the world competing for a prize fund of €320,000. Armenian violinist Haik Kazazyan took first place, earning €200,000 and a handcrafted Stradivari model violin. Organisers say the competition aims to modernise the classical music world, embracing younger talent and global participation while blending 18th-century repertoire with new compositions.

The inaugural Classic Violin Olympus International Competition concluded in a highly successful Grand Finale in Dubai, with Armenian violinist Haik Kazazyan taking home the prestigious title of Champion of Champions and €200,000, alongside other exceptional prizes. The 12 finalists were celebrated for their extraordinary talent, with several receiving special awards and performance opportunities to further their careers. The competition highlighted the remarkable artistry of these musicians and set an inspiring new standard for the future of classical violin music.

The Classic Violin Olympus International Competition (CVO) Grand Finale's last day took place on April 28, when the winner was finally announced after months of musical excitement! A milestone event in the domain of classical music competitions celebrating its debut under the twinkling lights of Dubai, the initiative was designed to transform the established order of traditional music competitions, broadening opportunities for violinists by eliminating an eligibility criteria altogether, and being open to applicants of all ages, races, and nationalities.

All eyes were on the inaugural edition of The Classic Violin Olympus International Competition (CVO) as it took over Dubai with its Grand Finale to discover the most sensational violinist of our time. Setting new standards in the realm of classical music and shaking up the world of strings, CVO presented itself as a fresh stage for artistic excellence, providing an unparalleled platform for the greatest talents of tomorrow to gain confidence, international exposure and a share of the astounding prize fund of €310,000, along with many other awards and opportunities.

Haik Kazazyan, 42, from Armenia won the first prize on April 28, consisting of €200,000 ($226,000) and a Stradivari model violin specially crafted by the violinmaker Fabio Piagentini.

A groundbreaking initiative transforming the realm of classical music, The Classic Violin Olympus International Competition (CVO), helmed by President Konstantin Ishkhanov and Artistic Director Pavel Vernikov, is a large-scale and unparalleled event with the aim of discovering the finest violinists of our time, with no restrictions on age or experience.

From 12-to-1, Armenian violinist Haik Kazazyan has triumphed at the first-ever Classic Violin Olympus competition at Dubai’s Jumeirah Zabeel Saray, beating a world leading collection of classical music performers to win the coveted prize.

A dozen of the world’s finest violinists are locked in a fierce bow against bow battle to become the first-ever winner of the Classic Violin Olympus in Dubai. The classic violinists each earned their place at the international competition by triumphing in preliminary rounds across Rome, London, New York, Tokyo and Dubai.

Ahead of the finals for the Classic Violin Olympus International Competition in Dubai, here’s everything you need to know about one of the most prestigious and competitive musical competitions this year.

The Classic Violin Olympus International Competition will celebrate its premiere under Dubai's palm trees at the end of April and is poised to set new standards in the world of violin playing. The selection of the twelve finalists already deviated from the pattern of traditional competitions. Last year, the organizers held preliminary rounds, each with its own jury, in Tokyo, Vienna, London, Rome, New York, and Dubai – six global cities that, in turn, reflect the cultural diversity of the participants. The competition also has no age requirements.

The 2025 Classic Violin Olympus Grand Finale will feature an exceptional 25-member jury, including renowned conductors and directors from prestigious orchestras, festivals, and concert series worldwide. With 12 top violinists competing for glory, this highly anticipated event promises to be one of the most exciting classical music moments of the year.

Elli Choi, a 23-year-old virtuoso and winner of the Dubai edition of the "Six Ways to Classic Violin Olympus," has gained recognition for her exceptional violin talent, performing at prestigious venues and collaborating with world-class orchestras. As she prepares for the upcoming finale of the Classic Violin Olympus, her passion for music, academic pursuits, and dedication to refining her craft demonstrate a promising future in the classical music world.

Ruifeng Lin, an emerging violin virtuoso, shares insights into his musical journey and upcoming performance at the Grand Classic Violin Olympus Finale in Dubai. In this exclusive interview, Lin reflects on his prestigious achievements, his carefully chosen program for the finale, and how his passion for photography complements his musical artistry.

The Dubai Edition of the Classic Violin Olympus showcased exceptional talent, with the top prize awarded to Elli Choi, followed by Ruifeng Lin and Issey Kurihara. The competition not only offered significant monetary rewards but also provided a prestigious invitation to the 2025 Grand Finale in Dubai, featuring substantial prizes and career opportunities for the finalists.

As we continue to highlight the extraordinary finalists of the Classic Violin Olympus in Dubai, today’s feature is on Haik Kazazyan, a celebrated virtuoso and the winner of the Rome edition of the "Six Ways to Classic Violin Olympus." Known for his exceptional talent and passion for the violin, Kazazyan has become a significant figure in the classical music world.

Lorenz Karls, a celebrated violin virtuoso and second prize winner of the Rome edition of Six Ways to Classic Violin Olympus, shares insights into his musical journey, upcoming performance, and personal life. His profound connection to Brahms' music and unique pre-performance rituals highlight the dedication and passion that define his artistry.

The Rome Edition of the Classic Violin Olympus brought together 20 exceptional violinists competing for a spot in the Grand Finale in Dubai. In our nostalgic journey through the preliminary rounds, we took time to highlight the event's key moments, prize winners, and the prestigious venue that hosted this significant stage of the competition.

Boris Brovtsyn, a celebrated violinist known for his versatility and expansive repertoire, will perform at the Grand Classic Violin Olympus Finale in Dubai. With numerous acclaimed recordings and collaborations with renowned conductors and artists, he continues to captivate audiences with his exceptional skill and emotional depth.

In this exclusive interview, violinist Jinzhu Li reflects on her remarkable career and the upcoming Grand Finale of the Classic Violin Olympus in Dubai. She shares insights into her musical journey, performance preparation, and the personal experiences that shape her artistry.

While the Grand Finale of the Classic Violin Olympus International Competition is approaching, we take a moment to reflect on the fourth of the competition’s six prestigious preselection contests. This article highlights the London Classic Violin Competition, which played a key role in the path to the competition’s grand finale in Dubai.

This part of “From Stage to Spotlight” series highlights the remarkable career of violinist Xiao Wang, showcasing his achievements and experience as he prepares for the Grand Finale of the Classic Violin Olympus in Dubai. Through an engaging interview, Wang shares his thoughts on the competition, his repertoire choices, and his personal rituals, giving readers a deeper understanding of his artistic journey and unique personality.

As a part of “From Stage to Spotlight” series, we are shining the spotlight on Karisa Chiu, highlighting her notable achievements and performances at prestigious venues. Through an interview, Chiu discusses her preparations for the Grand Finale of the Classic Violin Olympus and shares insights into her musical influences and family background.

The New York Classic Violin Competition, part of the Six Ways to Classic Violin Olympus series, showcased top violinists competing for a €35,000 prize and a spot in the Dubai finale.

In this interview, Yuki Hirano, a talented young violinist, shares her journey and experiences leading up to the Grand Classic Violin Olympus Finale in Dubai. She discusses her repertoire, expectations for the event, and her passion for music, alongside her personal hobbies and unique pre-performance ritual.

Mariusz Patyra, a renowned violinist and winner of the 2001 Paganini International Violin Competition, shares his thoughts on his journey to the Grand Classic Violin Olympus Finale in Dubai. In this interview, he discusses his upcoming performance, his musical journey, and his personal interests outside of the stage.

The Vienna Classic Violin Competition, part of the Six Ways to Classic Violin Olympus series, brought together top violinists competing for a €35,000 prize and the opportunity to advance to the prestigious Dubai final. With a distinguished jury and world-class performances, the event served as a platform for exceptional talent to gain international recognition.

Soyoung Yoon, a celebrated violinist with several major competition victories, expresses her enthusiasm for the upcoming Grand Finale in Dubai and talks about her performance preparation and hobbies that help her stay focused.

In this interview, renowned violinist and the finalist of Classic Violin Olympus Andrey Baranov shares his thoughts on the upcoming Grand Final, offering insights into his musical journey, expectations, and the program he plans to perform. As a celebrated artist and founding member of the David Oistrakh String Quartet, Andrey reflects on his career, his passion for Shostakovich and Beethoven, and his excitement for the competition's historic significance.

The Tokyo Classic Violin Competition, part of the Six Ways to Classic Violin Olympus series, showcased talented violinists vying for prestigious prizes and a spot in the Grand Final in Dubai.

In both rounds of the Classic Violin Olympus Competition, the finalists will perform with orchestra accompaniment, allowing the jury to evaluate their ability to collaborate with other musicians and follow the conductor’s guidance. The finalists will also try on the role of the concertmaster which may be a challenge even for an experienced performer. 

The finalists of the Classic Violin Olympus will not only showcase their individual talent, but also demonstrate their ability to collaborate with a conductor—an essential skill for their future professional development. During the event, they will have three opportunities to experience working with two internationally renowned conductors: Sergey Smbatyan and Christoph Poppen.

We are thrilled to announce that renowned cellist Alexander Chaushian and esteemed pianist Itamar Golan will join the Classic Violin Olympus as soloists.

Watch the video to find out which letter was drawn and see the results.

On behalf of the organising team of the Classic Violin Olympus International Competition, we wish you a year filled with joy, inspiration, and beautiful music! To our incredible finalists competing in April, we send our heartfelt best wishes as you prepare for this momentous event – we can’t wait to witness your extraordinary talents on stage.

Twelve outstanding violinists from around the world have been announced as finalists for the 2025 Classic Violin Olympus Grand Finale, set to take place in Dubai this April, marking the culmination of a groundbreaking global competition.

Elli Choi and Ruifeng Lin have been announced as the last two finalists for the Classic Violin Olympus Grand Finale, rounding out the 12 exceptional violinists who will compete in Dubai in April 2025 for the coveted title.

From the pre-selection stages held throughout the year, the 12 finalists were drawn from the first and second-prize winners of the rounds held in Dubai, London, Rome, New York, Vienna, and Tokyo.

Though his early career wasn’t rooted in classical music, Konstantin Ishkhanov became the driving force behind one of today’s most acclaimed global violin competitions. Classic Violin Olympus has captured the global music community’s imagination, inspiring and motivating hundreds of talented musicians who would compete under the artistic direction of the renowned violinist Pavel Vernikov.

The finals of the Dubai Classic Violin Competition were held from 1 to 5 November at the Emirates Academy of Hospitality Management in Dubai, UAE. Ten selected violinists performed a recital of 30-40 minutes.

Starting back in March 2024, the Classic Violin Olympus International Competition has taken one step closer to its Grand Finale in Dubai in April 2025. The last of the competition’s six international preselection contests has come to a close and revealed the last two finalists.

La Finale dell’inaugurale Classic Violin Olympus International Competition è ormai alle porte, mentre i concorrenti dell’ultimo concorso di preselezione si contendono i pochi ambiti posti rimasti. Con 320.000 € in palio e gli occhi dei media di tutto il mondo puntati addosso, parliamo con il Direttore Artistico Pavel Vernikov prima della corsa alle finali: un’opportunità esclusiva per ascoltare l’uomo che è stato in prima linea in questa impresa rivoluzionaria fin dall’inizio.

With the launch of its preselection competitions on March 17th, 2024, Classic Violin Olympus (CVO) set the music world ablaze, drawing attention from stakeholders and making headlines with its revolutionary approach and promise of bringing a breath of fresh air to the sector.

Classic Violin Olympus International Competition has captured hearts and minds of musicians worldwide. Brainchild of Konstantin Ishkhanov and Pavel Vernikov, this event is hailed as one of the most highly anticipated new entries into the violin world. In this article we will explore the conception and evolution of this contest as well as the people who made it possible.

Konstantin Ishkhanov, President of the Classic Violin Olympus International Competition, is thrilled to announce that the 6th, and last, preselection contest for this groundbreaking event will be taking place in Dubai, UAE from November 1st to 5th.

Haik Kazazyan and Lorenz Karls secured the top two spots in the fifth preselection competition for the Classic Violin Olympus.

Ten violinists are competing for two spots in the Classic Violin Olympus, to be held in Dubai in April 2025.

Boris Brovtsyn and Jinzhu Li received top prizes in the fourth preselection contest for the Classic Violin Olympus.

The Russian-born violinist receives €20,000, and is eligible to participate in the invite-only Classic Violin Olympus International Competition in Dubai in April 2025.

Ten musicians have reached the final round of the competition, which will involve prizes totalling €35,000.

The Classic Violin Olympus International Competition is an electrifying new opportunity for violinists young and old to take the music world by storm.

Violinists Xiao Wang and Karisa Chiu have won first and second prizes, respectively, in addition to an invitation to the Grand Finale in 2025.

As part of the Classic Violin Olympus International Competition, 10 violinists will compete in the final round at Manhattan School of Music on May 31.

With two of the six preliminary contests already behind us, the inaugural Classic Violin Olympus International Competition continues to gather steam.

Japanese violinist Yuki Hirano has won the €20,000 first prize, in addition to an invitation to the Classic Violin Olympus competition in Dubai.

Classic Violin Olympus’s second preselection contest comes to an end, with Yuki Hirano and Mariusz Patyra progressing to Grand Finale.

The inaugural Tokyo Classic Violin Competition concluded on 21 March at the Tokyo University of the Arts. The first prize of €20,000 was awarded to South Korean violinist Soyoung Yoon, 39, with the second prize of €10,000 going to Russian violinist Andrey Baranov, 38, and third prize of €5,000 to Chinese violinist Meng Zou.

First preselection contest of Classic Violin Olympus comes to a close; Soyoung Yoon and Andrey Baranov pass through to Grand Finale.

The preselection process for the Classic Violin Olympus International Competition continues to press on, with further updates being released on a regular basis.

Preparations for the inaugural edition of the Classic Violin Olympus International Competition are now well underway, with hundreds of violinists from all over the world eagerly sending in their audition clips in the hopes of being selected to participate in one of the six preselection contests that will be held over the course of 2024.

Open to participants of all ages and nationalities, six competitions will be held throughout 2024, culminating in a Grand Finale in Dubai that offers a €200,000 first prize.

Un nuevo concurso de violín, el Classic Violin Olympus, se abre paso en el panorama internacional con un formato inédito en su modalidad y articulación. Bajo la dirección artística de Pavel Vernikov, el concurso contará con una fase preliminar que tendrá lugar a lo largo de 2024 en seis países diferentes a través de seis concursos distintos, cada uno de los cuales ofrecerá una dotación en premios de 35.000 euros.

The first edition of the Classic Violin Olympus International Competition has officially been launched, as organisers announce that registrations for the event’s pre-selection phase are now open worldwide!

As the launch of the Classic Violin International Competition moves ever closer, more and more organisations are pledging their support to what looks to be one of the most revolutionary events to enter the world of strings in years.

Medici.tv, the world’s leading classical music channel and premier resource for classical music programming has just been confirmed as one of the official media partners for the inaugural edition of the Classic Violin Olympus International Competition.

Applications are open for the Classic Violin Olympus International Competition, a new competition involving six separate pre-selection competitions during 2024 in Tokyo, Vienna, New York, London, Paris and Tel Aviv - and culminating in a Grand Finale competition in Dubai, in April 2025.

We are delighted to announce the launch of the Classic Violin Olympus International Competition, an exciting and unprecedented musical endeavor taking place in Dubai from April 22nd to April 28th, 2025. This event offers violinists from around the world a unique opportunity to shine on the international stage.

The Classic Violin Olympus International Competition is celebrating its inaugural edition, with organisers officially unveiling the opening of registrations for the event’s global pre-selection phase, marking the start of a groundbreaking musical voyage that promises to redefine the world of classical music competitions.