site.btaBulgarian Viktor Vasilev Places Second in Prestigeous Junior International Violin Competition in Switzerland

Bulgarian Viktor Vasilev (17) placed second in the prestigious Tibor Junior International Violin Competition which ended on August 24 in Sion, Swiss news media reported. In the final event, the three finalists were accompanied by the South Czech Philharmonic conducted by Jan Talich, and interacted with mezzo-soprano Marie-Claude Chappuis, writes sion-violon-musique.ch. The final was held at the Théâtre de Valère in Sion.

A total of 13 violinists aged between 14 and 17 from North and South America, Asia and Europe took part in the public rounds of the competition, and Viktor was among three shortlisted for the final, along with Corina Deng (16) of Canada and the Sino-British Qingyuan Yang (14). Corina took the first prize and CHF5,000.

Viktor also won a prize of CHF2,000 and a Louis Bazin – 1940 bow prize.

“It was a real honour for me to be among the 13 violinist in the competition. Making it to the final was an even bigger joy, as was winning a 1940 master bow,” Viktor Vasilev told BTA.

After his participation in the Swiss International Music Academy in early July, Viktor was awarded a violin made by master luthier Peter Greiner that he will use for two years.

He will have the Louis Bazin bow from this competition for life.

Viktor also told BTA that he enjoyed the atmosphere of the competition and having the opportunity to spend time and play together with the other finalists.

Viktor Vasilev received support from the Plovdiv City Hall for his participation in the competition.

Born in Plovdiv in 2007, he studied violin in his home town and at New Bulgarian University under Darina Dankova and Mario Hossen. He has already won a number of competitions, including the Arthur Grumiaux International Violin Competition in Belgium, the Andrea Postacchini International Violon Competition in Italy, the Bohdan Warchal competition in Slovakia and Kocian in Czechia. In August 2024 he participated in the Orpheus International Music Academy in Vienna and performed as a soloists during Wiener Klassikfestival. Also in Vienna, he participated in an international Antonio Vivaldi youth competition where he was distinguished for his performance of a Vivaldi work.