Finnish Music Day is celebrated on the birthday of Jean Sibelius, 8 December. To mark the occasion, the International Jean Sibelius Violin Competition has released videos of competitors’ performances in the first and second rounds.

The prizes for the Jean Sibelius Violin Competition held in spring 2025 included performances as a soloist with the Radio Symphony Orchestra, the Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra, and Lahti Symphony Orchestra. Otto Antikainen was one of the prize winners.

The Sibelius Violin Competition is committed to growing and improving. We are now collecting audience feedback to help us develop the event for the future.

The Jean Sibelius Violin Competition, held in Helsinki from 19 to 29 May, concluded on Thursday evening with an award ceremony at the Helsinki Music Centre. The jury announced Sueye Park as the winner, with Minami Yoshida awarded second prize and Claire Wells third prize.

Eighteen competitors performed in the second round of the XIII International Jean Sibelius Violin Competition. Following the final performances, the jury selected six violinists to advance to the final.

Change of conductor for the finals of the 13th International Jean Sibelius Violin Competition. Due to a tight schedule, the Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra will be conducted by two conductors.

The first round of the XIII International Jean Sibelius Violin Competition took place at the historic Concert Hall of the Sibelius Academy from 19 to 21 May. On Wednesday evening, following the sixth and final session, the jury selected the competitors who will continue in the competition. The updated schedule for the second round is now available on the competition’s website. The second round will also take place in the Sibelius Academy Concert Hall from 23 to 25 May.

It is a pleasure to welcome you to the 13th International Jean Sibelius Violin Competition, held once again during the bright spring season as nature awakens. In these uncertain times, the importance of music as a source of joy and inspiration is greater than ever. Music can offer a space for inspiration and for discovering new ways of thinking. Photo: Matias Ahonen.

The performance order for the First Round of the XIII International Jean Sibelius Violin Competition was determined by a draw held on the evening of Saturday, May 17, during the opening event for the competitors at Ainola (Jean Sibelius’s home).

The competition begins on Monday, May 19. The first competitor to perform is number 9, Adrian Ibañez-Resjan, after which performances will proceed in numerical order.

The updated schedule for the First Round is now available on the competition website.