Finalists Announced at Gisborne International in New Zealand - Sans Violinists

The 3 finalists have today been announced for the 2013 Gisborne International Music Competition, in New Zealand

Catherine Kwak (Cello), Sam Lucas (Cello) and Andrey Lebedev (Classical Guitar)

The annual competition, open to solo orchestral instrumentalists aged 16-25, is regarded as one of the most significant development bursaries in the Australasian region

It is only the second time, in the competition's 24 year history, that a violinist has not progressed to the final round

Previous prize winners include violinists James Dong, Jonathan Mui,Xenia Deviatkina-Loh, Alexandra Osborne and Natalia Lomeiko

1st prize includes $8,000 NZD and a solo engagement with the Vector Wellington Orchestra

The final round will conclude on the 7th of December

The Violin Channel will keep you abreast of the results

Pictured: 17-year-old cellist Sam Lucas from Australia