Recital of Jinzhu Li – the 2nd prize winner at the 17th International Henryk Wieniawski Violin Competition

The Henryk Wieniawski International Violin Competition is one of the oldest, most prestigious, and most demanding musical contests in the world. Every five years, the eyes of the artistic community turn toward the Greater Poland region to witness the emergence of new violin stars. For young virtuosos, this event serves as an invaluable gateway to a global career, opening up opportunities for recording contracts and performances on the world’s most renowned stages. Just one month after the conclusion of the 17th International Wieniawski Competition in Poznań, the sensational Jinzhu Li, winner of the second prize and three special non-statutory awards, will perform a recital at the National Forum of Music.

The Chinese instrumentalist is currently a student at the Kronberg Academy, a programme that also involves collaboration with the University of Music and Performing Arts in Frankfurt (Hochschule für Musik und Darstellende Kunst Frankfurt am Main). She studies under the guidance of Erik Schumann. Despite her young age, Jinzhu Li has already garnered numerous accolades. In 2023, she won Group C at the Zhuhai International Mozart Competition for Young Musicians. Two years later, she took second prize at the Jascha Heifetz International Violin Competition in Lithuania. In 2025, she received the Prinz von Hessen-Preis, awarded by her university, and was also a laureate of the Sendai International Violin Competition.

The history of the Henryk Wieniawski International Violin Competition dates back to 1935. It was initiated by the composer’s nephew, Adam Wieniawski, to commemorate the centenary of the Polish composer’s birth. The first edition, held in Warsaw, was won by the French violinist Ginette Neveu, with the legendary David Oistrakh taking second place. Subsequent editions could not be organised because of the Second World War. The concept was revived in 1952, with the event moving to Poznań, where it has since been held regularly every five years. Over the decades, the competition has become a cradle for dozens of acclaimed virtuosos and a magnet for the most exceptional talents. By attending a recital by one of its young laureates at the NFM, you will have an opportunity to become part of the competition’s extraordinary history.

The concert is part of the official Laureates' Tour of the 17th Henryk Wieniawski International Violin Competition in Poznań. The Competition is organised by the Henryk Wieniawski Musical Society of Poznań co-organised by the National Institute of Music and Dance, with funding from the Minister of Culture and National Heritage of the Republic of Poland. The Laureates' Tour is coordinated by Sonora Music.