Yebin Yoo, Oscar Han and Natalia Harvey triumph in a contest of violins at the Gisborne International Music Competition

Three Australian violinists have taken top honours in the Gisborne International Music Competition. In its 28th year, the Competition is an opportunity for young orchestral instrumentalists to develop their performance skills with the experience of jurors who are themselves professional musicians. Open to musicians aged 16 to 25, it is considered one of the most significant development bursaries in the Australasian region, drawing entrants from all over the world.

This year, 16-year-old Yebin Yoo was awarded first prize, receiving $9,000 NZD and a number of performance opportunities in New Zealand. She was also the recipient of the prize for Best Performance of a Work by a New Zealand composer, worth $1000.

“I believe that the competition will open new doorways and provide many opportunities that will change my life”, Yoo told the Gisborne Herald. “I cannot thank the competition committee, the Gisborne community, fellow musicians and supporters enough for creating such a special moment.”

The jury for this year’s competition were oboist and Artistic Director of the Australian National Academy of Music Nick Deutsch, and Principal Violist of the New Zealand Symphony...