The Kronberg Festival recently wrapped up in Germany, featuring its concurrent Violin and Viola Masterclasses at the Kronberg Academy campus.
Approximately 240 aspiring musicians traveled to Kronberg to audition before six internationally acclaimed artists and instructors: Kolja Blacher, Mihaela Martin, Vadim Gluzman, Donald Weilerstein, Tabea Zimmermann, and Ettore Causa.
Over the course of nine days, a chosen group from these talented participants received public lessons and personalized coaching from the faculty members.
The Masterclasses culminated with a ceremony honoring select exceptional participants through sponsorship awards, recognizing their skill, dedication, and artistic promise. This year’s final concert showcased eight prizewinners chosen by the teaching panel.
Each award carries a €5,000 endowment, divided equally between two recipients. Presentation of the prizes took place on stage, with Floria Landgravine of Hesse, Hitomi Ono, Professor Friedemann Eichhorn, and Dr. Jürgen Frei personally handing out the honors.
- The Prinz von Hessen Prize, established in 2009 to support highly promising young talents, was awarded to Jinzhu Li from China and Amira Abouzahra from Germany.
- The Nobuko Imai Prize, named in recognition of the distinguished violist and educator, went to Emad Zolfaghari (USA) and Andjela Josifoski (Serbia).
- The Ana Chumachenco Prize, honoring the legendary violinist and pedagogue and sponsored by Kronberg Academy, was granted to Hans Christian Aavik from Estonia and Corina Deng from Canada.
- The Manfred Grommek Prize, awarded by the Bad Sodener Musikstiftung Jürgen Frei, was presented to two Japanese musicians: Natsuho Murata and Shotaro Matsuki.
“These young artists showcased not only exceptional virtuosity but also artistic creativity and receptiveness,” said Professor Friedemann Eichhorn, Artistic Director of the Kronberg Academy. “With the generous support of our prize donors and the mentorship of our esteemed faculty, these musicians are empowered to advance meaningfully on their artistic paths.”
The next Violin and Viola Masterclasses will take place during the 2027 Kronberg Festival, while the Festival will again offer Cello Masterclasses in 2026.
— The Violin Post Editorial Staff
