By AINSLEY THOMSON*
A virtuoso performance of Brahms' Violin Concerto in D secured the grand prize for young American Joseph Lin at the Michael Hill World Violin Competition last night.
"Exquisite" and "flawless to my ears" was the verdict of Prime Minister Helen Clark, who addressed the packed Auckland Town Hall as patron of the event.
"The memories will linger for a long time," she said.
Lin, aged 22, takes home $25,000 after topping a field of 18 competitors.
The Town Hall final, part of the ignite2001 festival, featured three performances accompanied by the Auckland Philharmonia.
Russian Tatiana Samouil, 26, placed second with an enchanting rendition of Tchaikovsky's dramatic Violin Concerto in D, which roused the audience. The concerto is so technically difficult that it was once pronounced unplayable.
Australia's Alexandra Osborne, at 18 the youngest competitor, came third with the brooding Shostakovich Violin Concerto no. 1.
Samouil won $10,000 and Osborne $5000.
* The author is a journalism student at Auckland University of Technology.
Feature: ignite2001 festival
ignite2001 official website
Young violinist gives 'flawless' performance
AdvertisementAdvertise with NZME.
