Kreutzer International Music Competition Announces 2026 Winners Across Four Categories

The 2026 edition of the Kreutzer International Music Competition, held in Ghent from 4 to 8 August, has released its final results. The competition, which features chamber music and three violin categories—A (12 and under), B (17 and under), and C (33 and under)—has named its prize winners and the monetary awards attached to each placement.

In the chamber music division, no first‑place prize was awarded. Instead, the competition’s jury awarded second prize jointly to Duo Kang and Duo Lynn‑Gatti, both of whom received the same recognition. Duo Komarovas earned third prize.

The violin Category A contest, open to players aged 12 and younger, saw South Korean Jeongin Seo take first place and receive a bow valued at €800. American Florence Lau was awarded second prize and a violin case worth €500. Emanuel Akopian of the Netherlands received third prize and strings valued at €300.

For Category B, which includes players up to 17 years old, the first prize went to the joint entry of Kai Gergov from Austria and Japan, who received €1,000. Hong Kong’s Yeuk Fu Kate Lai earned second prize and a €700 award. Two third‑place prizes were shared between Ukrainian Kornii Sheldunov and Chinese Wanran Zhang.

In the senior Category C, the first prize and €1,500 were awarded to Yige Chen of China. The United States’ Sasha Parker received second prize and €1,000, while South Korean Jinyoung Yoon earned third prize and €600.

The competition’s jury was co‑chaired by Yuri Zhislin and Lisa Jacobs, with additional members Wibert Aerts, Hrachya Avanesyan, Alessandro Cervino, Xiao Liu, David Makhmudov, Eric Sluys, and Yi Zhong. The event took place at the Miry Concert Hall and the Ghent Royal Conservatory.

The Kreutzer International Music Competition is an annual event that attracts young violinists and chamber groups from around the world. The 2026 edition was the third to be held in Ghent, following the 2024 competition that took place from 6 to 10 August.

The competition’s results highlight a diverse group of emerging talent. Jeongin Seo’s victory in Category A marks a significant achievement for a player still in the early stages of her career, while Yige Chen’s first‑place win in Category C places him among the most promising senior violinists globally.

The prize money awarded—ranging from €300 for third place in Category A to €1,500 for first place in Category C—provides both financial support and a tangible reward for the participants’ hard work. The inclusion of items such as bows, violin cases, and strings as part of the awards also reflects the competition’s focus on equipping young musicians with essential tools.

The competition’s structure, with separate categories by age, allows for a fair assessment of players at different stages of technical and musical development. The absence of a first‑place award in the chamber music category indicates the jury’s high standards and the competitive nature of the field.

The Kreutzer International Music Competition continues to serve as a platform for young musicians to gain exposure, receive professional evaluation, and build connections within the classical music community. The 2026 results underscore the competition’s role in fostering the next generation of violinists and chamber performers.

The announced winners will likely be invited to perform in the competition’s final concert, which traditionally takes place at the Miry Concert Hall. No further details have been released regarding post‑competition performances or future opportunities for the prize recipients.

The competition’s official website and related press releases will provide additional information on the winners’ upcoming engagements and any related events.

Overall, the 2026 Kreutzer International Music Competition has highlighted a range of talented young musicians across its four categories, with prizes that combine monetary awards and essential performance equipment. The results reflect the competition’s continued commitment to supporting emerging talent in the classical music world.