Winners announced at 2022 International Violin Bridge Competition

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The winners of the 2022 International Violin Bridge Competition were announced on 1 October 2022. This year, 46 entrants from 20 countries competed in the violin, viola and cello bridge making categories. Gold, silver and merit were awarded in each category, as well as a special new design prize sponsored by Dictum Tools.

This year, all three gold medals were won by women. The gold medal in the violin category went to Wong Zi Hui of K S Strings, a workshop in Selangor, Malaysia. She has gained experience in instrument setups, minor repair and restoration works for both modern and antique instruments under the guidance of Wong Perng Kien and is currently dedicating her studies to violin making.

A K (Aubrey) Alexander won gold medals for both the viola and cello categories. A graduate of the Violin Making School of America (VMSA), she worked at Moroz Violins before joining the teaching faculty at VMSA for five years. After spending four years in Michigan at Grand Rapids Violins, she now works for Sapps Violins in Illinois, as well as making instruments in her home workshop.

Hong Kong luthier Waiwa (James) Cheung won silver medals for both violin and cello categories, while Mylène Lassalle from France won the silver medal in the viola category. Gregory Sapp took merit for his violin and viola bridges, while Shlomo Moyal took merit for his cello bridge. Slovenian luthier Andreja Jamšek won the new design award sponsored by Dictum.

The international and experienced jury - which has a combined time on the workbench of 120 years - comprised Roberto Regazzi (Italy), Michael Darnton (USA), Ewen Thomson (Shetland), Ralph Plumb (England) and was created and organised by Gerard KilBride (Wales). 

The competition was sponsored by Josef Teller, Pirastro, Warchal Strings, Dictum Tools, Lark Music Insurance and Despiau Chevalets. Each medallist was awarded prizes from the sponsors, commensurate with the medal, as well as a €100 voucher from Dictum Tools to spend on their online webshop.

All entrants can be viewed at archive.violinbridges.co.uk. More information about the competition can be found at https://violinbridges.co.uk/.