Bench Strength in Strings
NEC string players Zhanbo Zheng, Kyumin Park take top prizes at Klein Competition.
Two of the top three prizes at the 2017 Irving M. Klein International String Competition have gone to New England Conservatory musicians. The competition was held in San Francisco, June 3–4.
The Elaine H. Klein 2nd Prize was awarded to violist Zhanbo Zheng '20, a student of Kim Kashkashian who is also a member of the Ravos Quartet, a 2016–2017 NEC Honors Ensemble. Zheng also received the Pablo Casals Prize for Best Performance of Solo Bach. His combined prizes consist of a $4,000 cash award and a concerto performance with the San José Chamber Orchestra. Zheng won the Primrose International Viola Competition in 2014.
The Milton Preves Memorial 3rd Prize went to violinist Kyumin Park '19, a student of Donald Weilerstein. He receives a $2,500 cash award.
Held annually since 1986 in partnership with San Francisco State University, the competition supports talented young string players ages 15–23 who are completing their studies and getting ready to launch their careers. There are many past prizewinners among the NEC community.