The 15th Primrose International Viola Competition was sponsored and hosted by the Colburn School in Los Angeles, June 10-17, 2018.
1st prize awared to 18-year-old Hae-Sue Lee from South Korea
2nd prize awarded to 28-year-old Zoe Martin-Doike from the United States
3rd prize to 22 year old Leonid Plashinov-Johnson from the United Kingdom.
The 2018 Primrose International Viola Competition was open to violists born after January 1, 1989, and who are ready to embark on an international solo career. The Competition welcomes applicants of all nationalities, ethnic origins, religions, and of both genders.
More information on repertoire requirements and procedures are on the website: http://www.primrosecompetition.org/
Founded in 1979 as the first international competition solely for violists, the Primrose International Viola Competition, named after the 20th century virtuoso William Primrose. is proud of the rich history and legacy it promotes. The American Viola Society (AVS), through an endowment established by memorial contributions made by friends, colleagues, artists, and admirers, has sponsored and organized the competition since 1986.
One of the most renowned string instrument competitions in the world celebrated its 35th anniversary in 2014, the PIVC featured the world's best young violists up to age 29.
The 14th Competition, in 2014, received a record number of high-level entries from the countries of Australia, Belgium, Canada, China, France, Italy, Japan, New Zealand, Romania, Russia, South Korea, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
Thirty quarterfinalists representing the countries of Australia, Canada, China, France, Japan, South Korea, the United Kingdom, and the United States were invited to compete for awards, over $10,000 USD in cash and prizes and select engagements in the United States and Europe.
The Semi-Final recital round included the world premiere of Aldonza for viola and orchestral reduction by Puerto Rican composer Christian Colberg. The chamber music component consisted of the first movement of Mozart's Kegelstatt Trio with Los Angeles Philharmonic clarinetist Michele Zukovsky. For the concerto round all finalists performed with the Santa Barbara Chamber Orchestra.
The results of the 2014 Primrose International Viola Competition were announced in Los Angeles on 14th June 2014 as follows.
1st prize to Zhanbo Zheng, aged 17 of China.
Second prize to Manuel Vioque-Judd of France.
Third prize to Cong Wu of China.
Zhanbo Zheng is a student at the Beijing Central Conservatory of Music with Professor Wang Shaowu.
Zheng also won first prize at the Villa de Llanes International Viola and Cello Competition in 2010.
As the winner of the 2014 Primrose Competition Zheng received a cash prize of $5,000, a gold-mounted bow from Arcos Brasil and offers of concert appearances in the US and Europe.
Visit the website at www.primrosecompetition.org.