live from the new Barbican Centre in London
Introduced by Mary Marquis with specialist comment and assessment by Ralph Holmes
During the past week more than 50 young violinists from 23 countries. including for the first time China, have been striving for a place among the six finalists in the competition. Tonight three of the finalists play a concerto before a distinguished international jury that includes
Ruggiero Ricci !, Henryk Szeryng and Shu-Chen Tan from China
The chairman is Yfrah Neaman
Named after the great Hungarian violinist and teacher, the Carl Flesch Competition began in 1945 but it was reconstituted as a major international event in 1968. The ten prizes range from £4,500 to £300 with up to 20 concert engage-, ments on offer, but the aim is as much to further the careers of all gifted violinists who compete, as it is to select prize winners.
In part one two finalists perform with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra leader BARRY GRIFFITHS conducted by Sir Charles Groves
(Part 2 is at 8.5 pm)