10 violins advanced to the third stage of the Competition. Their makers still remain anonymous.

The first two stages are behind us, during which the jurors selected from 76 instruments. Five luthiers evaluated the craftsmanship, and two violinists assessed the sound of the violins.

"Each violin had its own personality. Even just holdingthe neck before playing told me something. Many violins were easier to play onthe E string, while the G and D strings often felt more difficult. A lot ofthem had a bright, sharp, and light sound. But it was rare to find one with areally dark and deep tone, which I personally look for,” reveals Soyoung Yoon.

"I don't have a fixed set of pieces to perform on eachinstrument. It is a particular instrument that inspires me to reach for somepiece. No doubt one must not limit oneself only to playing scales. This willnot let us verify the full potential of a given instrument: its loudness,energy, the power of sound on the one hand, and the nobility, delicacy, intimacy,and hues on the othe,” said Agata Szymczewska.

Ahead of us is the third stage. On Tuesday, in the White Hall of the Poznań Bazaar, we will hear the sound of the violins accompanied by a piano, and on Thursday, in the Aula of the Adam Mickiewicz University, during a performance with a symphony orchestra. The musician playing the competition instrument stands behind a screen, so the violin remains invisible to the jurors. Admission to the chamber auditions in the White Hall of the Bazaar and the orchestral auditions in the UAM Aula is free. 

The results of the 15th International Henryk Wieniawski Violin Making Competition will be announced on Thursday evening.