Over the weekend, the Kendall School of Arts was again filled with virtuoso violin playing as four young finalists vied for the title of winner of the 14th Kendall National Violin Competition and the consequent prize of a Caldersmith concert violin or viola crafted from Australian timbers and the Peter Lee Memorial cash prize.
The title, chosen by three of Australia’s most distinguished judges, went to James Dong, who also won the inaugural prize for the accompanied sonata. James was also a KNVC finalist in 2010 and consequently moved to Sydney to study under Ole Bohn. He was runner-up in the prestigious Gisbourne Competition in 2011.
This year was particularly competitive, demonstrated by the prizes being widely shared. The youngest finalist, Grace Clifford, won the Bach section as well as being awarded the Audience Choice. Charlie Westhoff won the Australian Composition section.
A Q&A session was held during the judges’ deliberation,s featuring Graham Caldersmith and Karen Carey, head of MLC music department, which received active engagement from the large audience.
KNVC President, Douglas Head, praised the efforts of his Committee for making this year’s event so successful.
“We had a number of critical last minute problems with judges’ planes being delayed and both our Artistic Director and our Patron being unable to attend due to illness, but still coped admirably,” Mr Head said.
He noted that all finalists benefitted from the experience.
“Each finalist gets to play with probably Australia’s finest piano accompanist, Jeanell Carrigan, and also can get one-on-one feedback from the extraordinary experience of the three judges on the panel. The KNVC is a wonderful development and networking experience for them.
“There is no doubt that James Dong is a worthy addition to the illustrious list of past winners who have gone on be such great ambassadors for the KNVC. James will be invited to return, as part of his prize is a regional tour with Jeanell.”
