Cellist Lee Saebom (left) on May 25 won the Washington International Competition for Strings of the U.S. and violinist Park Sueye claimed the first prize at the International Jean Sibelius Violin Competition of Finland held from May 27-29. (Kumho Cultural Foundation)

By Lee Jihae

Two string musicians have won classical music competitions in Europe and the U.S.

In Helsinki, Finland, violinist Park Sueye won the International Jean Sibelius Violin Competition, which ran from May 27-29.

The event's official website said Park won positive evaluations from the judges in the finals for performing Sibelius' Violin Concerto in D minor, Op. 47 and contemporary composer's Oliver Knussen's Violin Concerto Op. 30.

Park is the second Korean violinist to win in this competition after Yang In-mo in 2022.

Launched in 1965, the competition is held every five years in Helsinki for violinists aged 30 or under.

Earlier in the U.S., cellist Lee Saebom on May 25 won the Washington International Competition for Strings.

Launched in 1948, the annual contest has a three-year rotation of voice, piano and string. This year's edition featured strings as well as composition.

jihlee08@korea.kr