The final round of the 12th International Violin Competition of Indianapolis (IVCI) took place on October 2 and 3 at Hilbert Circle Theatre in downtown Indianapolis. Over two evenings, six finalists performed concertos with the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra under the baton of American conductor Leonard Slatkin.

Following deliberations by the jury, chaired by renowned violinist and educator Jaime Laredo, American violinist Karisa Chiu was awarded first prize and the gold medal. China’s Aozhe Zhang received the bronze medal, while fellow Chinese violinist Xunyue Zhang placed fourth.

The six laureates are:

First Prize / Gold Medal: Karisa Chiu — United States

Second Prize / Silver Medal: Elli Choi — United States

Third Prize / Bronze Medal: Aozhe Zhang — China

Fourth Prize: Xunyue Zhang — China

Fifth Prize: Yesong Sophie Lee — United States

Sixth Prize: Lina Nakano — Japan

The competition previously announced a prize and career development package valued at more than $350,000. The gold medalist will receive $75,000 in cash, a debut recital at Carnegie Hall, a recording contract, and four years of personal website development and maintenance.

The silver and bronze medalists will also receive cash prizes, professional artist management, and international concert opportunities.

All six laureates will have the opportunity to use fine instruments from the competition’s collection until its next edition in 2030. The collection includes the 1683 “ex-Gingold” Stradivarius violin.

Photo: Denis Ryan Kelly Jr