The inaugural Classic Violin Olympus International Competition concluded in Dubai with 12 top performers from around the world competing for a prize fund of €320,000.
Finalists played major works by Beethoven, Tchaikovsky and Alexey Shor, with performances judged by a 25-member international jury. Armenian violinist Haik Kazazyan took first place, earning €200,000 and a handcrafted Stradivari model violin.
Organisers say the competition aims to modernise the classical music world, embracing younger talent and global participation while blending 18th-century repertoire with new compositions.