The first violin competition named after American violinist and conductor, Isaac Stern kicked off in Shanghai.

The contest which will be attended by 36 young musicians from 11 countries, gives musicians not only an opportunity to demonstrate talent and skill, but also the opportunity to become “ambassadors” for classical music.

Azerbaijan will be represented by talented violinist Elvin Hoxha Ganiyev. Auditions will be held from August 16 to September2.

The jury consists of prominent musicians, including David Stern, Zakhar Bron, Martin Engstrom, yo-yo MA, Daniel Kheyfets, Boris Kushnir, and Maxim Vengerov.

“Creating competition named after Isaac stern in China will satisfy a long overdue need and enrich the already rich cultural landscape of music in Shanghai. We are pleased that the competition has interested young violinists from around the world. Their participation will turn this event into a real musical feast for Chinese fans who look forward to the opportunity to admire them", said Ms. Fedin, the President of the Shanghai Symphony orchestra and Executive Director of the organizing Committee.

Elvin Ganiyev is the student in the class of Prof. Zakhar Bron at Kalaidos University Music Academy in Zurich, Switzerland and Escuela Superior, Reina Sofia in Madrid, Spain.

He has worked with such prominent orchestras such as Bilkent Symphony Orchestra, Presidential Symphony Orchestra, Istanbul State Symphony, Borusan Istanbul Philharmonic, Hacettepe Symphony Orchestra, Azerbaijan Philharmonic, Tchaikovsky Symphony Orchestra, Moscow Virtuosi, Russian Virtuosi, Bron Chamber Orchestra.

Ganiyev performed on the same stage with masters like Zakhar Bron, Server Ganiev, Viktor Pikayzen, Vadim Repin, and Fazıl Say.

In 2015, he made recording with LTG Young Soloists Chamber Orchestra from Sony Music Production.