Competing for music's top spot

"The International Tchaikovsky Competition for Young Musicians is held in different countries over the years, and gives young musicians from around the world a unique opportunity to participate in this prestigious contest. This year, it will come to Chengdu," Yu says.

Pianist Lang Lang won the first prize when he was 13 years old at the Tchaikovsky International Young Musicians Competition held in Japan. In 2002, pianist Zhang Haochen won the first prize in the same competition when he was 12 years old.

"The competition is the most prestigious international youth contest in the world. Many young musicians began their professional careers after winning this competition," Yu says.

To date, more than 350 young musicians from 23 countries have applied to participate in the 11th International Tchaikovsky Competition for Young Musicians. According to competition rules, no more than 60 participants in each category will be allowed to participate in the competition.

Violinist Lyu Siqing, pianist Dan Zhaoyi and cellist Namar will serve as the heads of judges for each category.