The laureates of the 4th Alberto Lysy International Violin Competition

The fourth edition of the Alberto Lysy International Violin Competition concluded in Switzerland this October, spotlighting remarkable young violin talent from across the globe. Over three days, from October 8 to 10, 2026, the picturesque towns of Gstaad and Saanen hosted this prestigious event, drawing a diverse group of musicians eager to establish their careers on an international stage.

Among the 183 applicants representing 44 countries, 17 violinists were selected to compete, reflecting the competition’s global reach and its reputation as a significant platform for emerging artists. The event’s format tested participants through progressively challenging rounds, beginning with solo performances, advancing to semi-finals with piano accompaniment, and culminating in a final concert featuring orchestral collaboration.

Two violinists stood out to share the joint first prize: 22-year-old Australian Sara Isabelle Ispas and 22-year-old Malaysian Zi Yang Low. Both demonstrated exceptional artistry and technical mastery during the final, which was held in the Church of Saanen. Their performances were accompanied by the Sinfonieorchester St. Gallen, conducted by chief conductor Pietro Rizzo, adding a professional and dynamic dimension to the competition’s climax.

The second prize was awarded to 16-year-old South Korean violinist Yuna Sung, whose performance also garnered significant acclaim. Additionally, Taiwanese violinist I-Hao Cheng received a Special Prize, recognizing his noteworthy contribution to the semi-final stage.

Beyond the main awards, the competition extended opportunities for further professional exposure. Sara Isabelle Ispas earned the Audience Award, granting her invitations to perform at the Gstaad Menuhin Festival & Academy’s Matinées des Jeunes Étoiles concert series in 2027, as well as at the Bois qui Chante Festival. Zi Yang Low was offered a performance at the 2027 NUME Festival in Cortona, Italy, enabling these young artists to continue cultivating their international presence beyond the competition.

The jury, comprised of distinguished musicians and educators from Europe and America, included violinists and violists Adelina Oprean, Philippe Graffin, Raphaël Oleg, and Ettore Causa, alongside cellist and conductor Daniel Geiss. Their diverse expertise ensured a comprehensive evaluation of the contestants’ abilities, fostering a high standard of artistic judgment.

Organized by the Rencontres Musicales–Camerata Lysy Association in partnership with the Menuhin Center Saanen, the competition honors the legacy of the late Alberto Lysy, a renowned Argentine violinist and educator. The event provides a rare opportunity for young violinists to perform with a professional orchestra and gain visibility in the classical music world.

The 2026 competition underscored the continued vitality and international appeal of the Alberto Lysy International Violin Competition as a nurturing ground for emerging talent. By combining rigorous selection, public performance, and orchestral collaboration, it plays a crucial role in shaping the next generation of violinists poised for global careers. Further details and updates about the competition and its laureates can be found on the official competition website.