competition
South Korean Violinist Choi Soojin Wins Top Prize at 2025 Il Piccolo Violino Magico
A rising star has emerged from this year’s Il Piccolo Violino Magico, the prestigious international violin competition for musicians under 13. Choi Soojin of South Korea (b. 2012) was awarded First Prize, impressing jurors and audiences alike with her musical depth and stage maturity.
“Soojin’s performance was not only technically brilliant but emotionally profound — rare in someone so young,” said Pavel Vernikov, Jury President and internationally renowned violinist.
Choi received a €5,000 scholarship sponsored by Banca 360, and a violin handcrafted by Italian luthier Fabio Piagentini, made from Tarvisio spruce and valued at €9,000—a gift from the Risonanze Festival.
Previously, Choi has already won the Grand Prize in the Asia Tchaikovsky Competition for Young Artist in March 2024 and 1st prize at the Ehwa Kyunghyang Music Competition, one of Korea’s most prestigious competitions. She made her solo debut through the Kumho Prodigy Recital Series.
Other prizewinners
Joining Soojin in the top ranks of the 2025 edition were:
Laura Jin (Australia, b. 2012) – Second Prize, €3,000 (MIDJ Spa)
Tokura Lin (Japan/USA, b. 2011) – Third Prize, €2,000 (Farmacia Beggiato)
Nina Rakočević (Serbia, b. 2011) – Fourth Prize, €1,000 (Rotary Club San Vito al Tagliamento)
Each winner also received premium violin strings from Larsen Strings and a violin case from Artonus.
An Orchestra from the Start
A hallmark of Il Piccolo Violino Magico is its rare orchestral format. From the first round, contestants perform with a professional ensemble—this year, the Accademia d’Archi Arrigoni orchestra, with the FVG Orchestra accompanying the final round, led by conductor Giancarlo Guarino.
Held annually in the picturesque town of San Vito al Tagliamento, the event is organized by the Accademia d’Archi Arrigoni, with artistic direction led by renowned violinist and pedagogue Pavel Vernikov and organizational director Domenico Mason.
“These young musicians aren’t just soloists. They’re collaborators—this is the heart of why we organize this competition,” said Domenico Mason, Director of Accademia d’Archi Arrigoni and co-organizer of the event.
Jury & Artistic Team
The 2025 jury featured some of today’s most respected violinists and educators:
- Latica Honda‑Rosenberg
- So‑Ock Kim
- Jens Lohmann
- Alberto Martini
- Yury Revich
- Dmitry Smirnov
- Chaired by Pavel Vernikov
Organized by the Accademia d’Archi Arrigoni, the competition continues to champion early artistic development, combining competition with performance experience.
What’s Next for the Winners?
Following their win, all four finalists have been invited to perform at leading Italian festivals, including:
- San Vito Musica 2025
- Altolivenza Festival
- Special guest appearances at the Risonanze Festival in the Dolomites
- Showcase concerts curated by CIDIM (Italian National Music Committee)
These concert engagements aim to promote their artistry across Europe and give them experience on professional stages.
A Stage for Tomorrow’s Virtuosi
As audiences continue to seek the next generation of classical stars, Il Piccolo Violino Magico remains a significant launchpad. Its blend of competition, orchestral collaboration, and cultural exchange fosters not just prodigies—but well-rounded musicians.
“This is not just a competition—it’s a community, a celebration of global musical excellence,” added Vernikov.
For more on the competition, jury interviews, and performance videos, visit their official website, here.
All photography credit to Elia Falaschi from PHOCUS AGENCY – Fotografi di Cultura e Specttacolo.
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