The first China International Violin Competition will debut in Qingdao, a scenic port city of east China's Shandong Province, from September 17 to 29.

The competition will attract 50 contestants from 20 countries and regions to compete for a 20,000-US dollar top prize, said Pu Tong, a senior official from the organizing committee.

Pu said the jury committee is composed of well-known violinists worldwide and Lin Yaoji of the China Central Conservatory of Music will chair the jury committee.

Lin said in the first and semi-final round of the competition, contestants were requested to play masterpieces by Bach, Beethoven, Mozart and Paganini, which were all seen as high-level repertoires difficult to play. Most of the 50 candidates to the final round have won prizes in their national competitions.

Lin stressed the competition will set up six awards for best players, one prize for the best performance of Chinese works, and special prizes as well.

He expressed his hope that the competition could attract world's top violin players, and showcase the achievements in the musical education of China to the outside world.

From now on, the competition will be held every three years. World-renowned violinist Lu Siqing, who was born in Qingdao, will be the publicity image of the competition.  

(Xinhua)

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