CLASSIC VIOLIN OLYMPUS 2025 FINALISTS KARISA CHIU AND ELLI CHOI CLAIM GOLD AND SILVER AT THE 2026 INTERNATIONAL VIOLIN COMPETITION OF INDIANAPOLIS

The 12th edition of the competition, held from 17 September to 4 October 2026 in Indianapolis, USA, brought together outstanding young violinists from around the world for one of the most significant events on the international violin competition calendar.

Karisa Chiu, a 27-year-old American violinist, emerged as the competition's Gold Medalist, receiving the First Prize of $75,000. Her performance of Tchaikovsky's Violin Concerto in D major, accompanied by the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra under the baton of Leonard Slatkin, marked the culmination of her successful participation. In addition to the monetary award, Chiu received the Josef Gingold Gold Medal, a valuable violin bow, a recording contract, and the opportunity to make a Carnegie Hall recital debut.

Elli Choi, a 25-year-old American violinist and fellow Classic Violin Olympus 2025 finalist, was awarded the Silver Medal and Second Prize of $30,000. During the final round, she performed Mendelssohn's Violin Concerto in E minor with the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, further demonstrating the exceptional musicianship that has established her as one of the promising violinists of her generation.

Both artists will also benefit from four years of professional career management and opportunities to perform internationally, providing valuable support for their continued artistic development.

The achievements of Karisa Chiu and Elli Choi represent another significant milestone for the alumni of Classic Violin Olympus, highlighting the exceptional calibre of musicians who have participated in the competition.

The Classic Violin Olympus Organising Committee warmly congratulates both artists on their outstanding achievements and wishes them continued success in their international careers.