Two Norwegians in international Young Violinists competition
Eldbjørg Hemsing (14) and David Coucheron (20) are competing against the most talented young violinists in the Yehudi Menuhin International Competition for Young Violinists – the world’s leading competition for violinists under 22.
A closely selected group of young musicians are meeting each other in London next week, among them two experienced Norwegians, despite their young age. David Coucheron performed with the Minsk Chamber Orchestra at the age of five and has since appeared with all the major Norwegian symphony orchestras. Eldbjørg Hemsing won 1st prize at the Kocian International Violin Competition 2003 in the Czech Republic as well as two national violin competititons in Norway.
The Menuhin Competition, which takes place 26 March – 4 April in London, is a biennial competition for violin open to participants of all nationalities and compromising two age groups: juniors (up to 15 years of age) and seniors (16 to 21 years of age). 186 entries were received from 29 countries and the candidates have 37 different nationalities. This is not only the highest number of entries but also the highest standard of playing displayed in audition recordings since the competition was founded, according to the competition’s web site.
David Coucheron’s many prizes include 1st prize and Special prize at the Hohenlohe Kulturstiftung Competition, Germany in 1999. He has been studying with Aaron Rosand at the Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia since 2000. In 2002 Coucheron gave a full recital at the Kennedy Center, Washington DC and released his first CD together with his sister Julie at the piano.
Eldbjørg Hemsing is from Aurdal in Norway and studies with Richard Kraggerud at the Barratt Due Institute of Music in Oslo. She has performed as soloist with numerous professional Norwegian orchestras and also with the Ukraine National Symphony Orchestra and the Ashland Symphony Orchestra, Ohio. Eldbjørg has participated in the prestigious chamber music festivals of Oslo and Stavanger.
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