Eight semi finalists in the XIIth Lionel Tertis International Viola Festival and Competition taking place at the Erin Arts Centre in Port Erin on the Isle of Man are due to perform for judges in two public concerts today to gain a place in tomorrow's final.
At stake is the chance to win a share of top prize money totalling ?15000 donated by the London based Tertis Foundation.
Appearing before the five strong international jury, chaired by experienced jurist Prof George Caird and containing festival president Yuri Bashmet, the globally recognised viola virtuoso, will be Hae-Sue Lee, 16, South Korea; Lisa Sung, 20, Australia; Ming-Yu Hsu, 16, Taiwan; So Hui Yun, 19, South Korea; Steve Doman, 27, British; Timothy Ridout, 19, British; Manuel Vioque-Judde, 24, French and Wenhong Luo, 23, China.
Music lovers can capture the atmosphere at the sessions starting at 3pm and 8pm in the Isle of Man Bank Auditorium in the arts centre.
For the first time at the festival the semi finalists will perform not as soloists but as part of a trio.
They will perform the Beethoven String Trio in C minor opus 9 no. 3 with Krysia Osostowicz (violin) and Jane Salmon (cello).
Tickets are just ?5 available in advance from the box office at the Erin Arts Centre, telephone 01624 832662.
The three finalists will be announced at the conclusion of the evening session.
Three years ago, due to the 'exceptionally high standard of playing' at the 2013 competition, the jury, then chaired by Brian Hawkins, a professional viola player and a Fellow of the Royal College of Music in London, told festival director Dr John Bethell it wished to send four competitors through to the final.
"I was absolutely delighted," said Dr Bethell who has directed the festival since it moved to the Isle of Man in 1980.
"To receive almost 90 initial entries from across the globe and then to hear that an additional place would be required in the final due to the exceptional high standard of playing is absolutely marvellous.
"Lionel Tertis himself would have been similarly delighted that the viola is going from strength to strength".
The winner three years ago was the youngest competitor, 15 year old Ziyu Shen (China) a prize winner in other major competitions. She was also the youngest ever holder of the prestigious Tertis award.
Ahead of Saturday evening's final, to be attended by the Lieutenant Governor Adam Wood, there will be a non finalists concert in the arts centre at 2.30pm on Saturday afternoon. Tickets are ?5.
Those who have been taking part in the non competitive part of the festival are also to offer a concert at 4pm.
Photo - Professor George Caird, Chairman of Jury. Photo courtesy of Alan Wood.
