EIGHT of Australia’s finest young violinists will compete in the semi-finals of the Kendall National Violin Competition to be held in the Ballroom at Government House, Sydney on Sunday 27 July.

The four finalists announced at the end of the day will come to the Kendall School of Arts on 30 August to compete for the treasured first prize, a concert violin made from Australian timbers by artisan and acclaimed luthier Graham Caldersmith, the TimberLay International Travel Scholarship and other awards.

Many former winners and finalists have gone on to successful careers on the international stage, including Ray Chen, winner in 2005, who was recently awarded first prize in the 2008 Menuhin Competition, the world’s leading international competition for young violinists. 2008 is the tenth year of the Competition under the artistic direction of Professor Goetz Richter, chair of the String Unit at Sydney Conservatorium of Music.

Professor Richter said Ray Chen is one of the most talented and accomplished young violinists to have emerged from Australia in the past years.

“We see the opportunity to host the semi-final competition at Government House as an important collaborative partnership to support young, emerging Australian musicians and the efforts of the regional Kendall community to promote classical music” said Ann Toy, Curator of Government House,

Over the past three years the semi-finals of the Kendall National Violin Competition have provided audiences with a unique opportunity to hear some of the most talented young violinists in Australia perform and receive guidance and encouragement from the judging panel.

Come and experience the grand setting of the Ballroom at Government House, this competition is both exciting and nerve racking as many of these young artists are so outstanding and are clearly destined for significant musical careers.

It takes place between 10.15 am and 4pm Sunday July 27. Gates open at 10am and bookings are essential by phoning 02 8239 2211.

Cost is $25 Full price, $20 Concession and $15 for students

Enquiries to Violin Competition Secretary Mavis Barnes mbarnes@tsn.cc 02 6559 4339

Full details, information about winners and finalists are available at: www.kendallviolin.org.au