Cellist picks up prize from Duke
Windsor: Canadian wins top prize in festival competition
The Duke of Edinburgh was in Eton last week to award a Canadian cellist the top prize in the Windsor Festival International String Competition (WFISC).
Following a hotly contested final, 25-year-old cellist Andrew Byun was named first prize winner and was presented with the WFISC trophy by Prince Edward.
Andrew, who is studying with Laurence Lesser at the New England Conservatory, will receive a host of performance opportunities as part of his prize, thus launching his international solo career.
Taking place in Eton College’s newly renovated school hall, the second prize was awarded to Dutch violinist Leon Blekh, 24, who received a £2,000 cash prize and the third prize was won by 25-year-old American/Canadian cellist Leland Ko, who was awarded a £1,000 cash prize.
The audience prize was awarded to Leon Blekh.
As the winner of the top prize, Mr Byun has been given prizes valued at more than £30,000.
These include a concerto performance with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra (RPO) in Windsor Castle during Windsor Festival 2024, and more concerto performances in the RPO’s UK Regional Touring Programme.
A solo recording opportunity with Champs Hill Records was also included as well as a London concerto with Orpheus Sinfonia, recitals at La Mortella, Ischia and more UK festivals and a £5,000 cash prize.
The Panel of International Jury featured Norwegian violist Lars Anders Tomter, Japanese violinist Jojo Hattori, British cellist Natalie Clein, festival director Martin Denny, Champs Hill executive producer Alexander Van Ingen and managing director of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra James Williams.
Other semi-finalists of the ninth WFISC included Edward Walton (17) violin, Jakob Taylor (26) cello, Johannes Gray (26) cello, Esther Yang (23) violin, Kinga Wojdalska (25) viola, Lorenz Karls (22) violin, Julia Wang (16) violin, and Chase Park (26) cello.
The competition, which looks to inspire the next generation of performers, has seen each semi-finalist visit primary schools in Berkshire to give an interactive performance.
Semi-finalists also participated in a workshop with KS3 students of violin, viola and cello in the area, sharing insight into sound techniques and performance.
Mr Byun will be back in Windsor in September this year to perform with the RPO and other performances as part of his First Prize.
Martin Denny, festival director said, “The 2024 Windsor Festival International String Competition has been an extraordinary battle of exceptional talent.
“We were astounded by the phenomenal level presented throughout the live rounds, and have enjoyed the most wonderful performances – technically and musically.
“All three finalists are undoubtedly ones to watch. We congratulate Andrew Byun immeasurably on winning first prize at WFISC 2024, and are extremely excited to launch his international career.”