Violinist Christel Lee Wins 11th International Jean Sibelius Competition

Last week, Korean American-Canadian Violinist Christel Lee was announced the first-prize winner of the 11th International Jean Sibelius competition in Helsinki, Finland. The widely sought-after prize is only attainable in five-year intervals, starting in 1965 (only eight years after the competition’s namesake, Finnish composer and violinist Jean Sibelius, died). Ever since, it has been an opportunity for violinists under 30 from around the world to attain recognition and prestige.

Born in 1990 in Bloomington, Indiana, and raised in Canada, Violinist Christel Lee has traveled far and wide to hone the craft of her instrument, having studied at the Münich School of Music and Theatre, the Kronberg Academy, and at the Juilliard School of Music in New York. A trip to Finland, however, appeared to be the clincher in the development of the 25-year-old musician, who has now won the 11th International Jean Sibelius competition ahead of some formidable opponents. Apart from the obvious benefits of receiving the highest-possible prize for a career violinist, Christel Lee will also be receiving some generous prize-money: 25,000€ ($26,500). Her stunning performance of Mvt. I of Bartok’s Concerto No. 2 for Violin and Orchestra with the Helsinki Orchestra (conducted by John Storgårds), was the final exhibition in a 12-day series that ultimately led to her success. She is also the first Korean ever to win the Jean Sibelius competition.

Other contenders in the finals were Emmanuel Tjeknavorian from Austria (who won second place, along with 18,000€), and Friederike Starkloff of Germany (who won third place, along with 12,000€). Three other finalists received a prize of 2,000€ each. As for Christel Lee, her victory will take her through a series of concerts, which are already underway. With The Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra, and conductor John Storgårds, she will perform tonight (December 10th) in Birmingham then on December 12th in Dublin -- the start of what is sure to be a much busier schedule in the coming years for the talented young woman.

For excerpts of Lee's performances during the competition, click here.