Musicians strike notes of success

Six students from the Central Conservatory of Music won awards at the XVII International Tchaikovsky Competition held in Moscow and St. Petersburg from June 19 to July 1.

Jin Zhicheng, who plays French horn, won the silver medal in the brass competition. Luo Chaowen and Jiang Yiying took third and fourth prizes in the violin competition. Mao Xuanyi claimed fourth prize in the piano competition. Ning Yuening and Xie Zonglin were awarded fifth and sixth prizes in the woodwind competition.

On July 3, a celebration party was held at the Central Conservatory of Music in Beijing.

"Our students won awards in different categories. They displayed their talent as well as showcasing themselves to worldwide audiences," said Yu Feng, president of the school.

Professor Chen Guang mentioned that the 16-year-old Jin faced lots of pressure due to the short time of preparation for the competition and took second place in the final round.

"He showed lots of confidence during the competition and the result is rewarding," Chen said.

The competition, first held more than 50 years ago, is one of the major events in the international music community and is held every four years.

In 2019, the school's student, French horn player Zeng Yun won first prize and the gold medal in the brass category at the XVI International Tchaikovsky Competition — the first Chinese French horn player to win the prestigious title.