Jingjing Xu wins 9th Mirjam Helin singing competition amidst high-caliber talent

Jingjing Xu, a Chinese mezzo-soprano, has emerged victorious in the 9th International Mirjam Helin Singing Competition, showcasing an exceptional level of talent and captivating the audience. Organized by the Finnish Cultural Foundation since 1984, t

By: helsinkitimes.fi

Jun 15 2024
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Jingjing Xu wins 9th Mirjam He

Jingjing Xu, a Chinese mezzo-soprano, has emerged victorious in the 9th International Mirjam Helin Singing Competition, showcasing an exceptional level of talent and captivating the audience. Organized by the Finnish Cultural Foundation since 1984, this prestigious competition concluded with Xu taking the top prize of €50,000.

"The level of competitors has been extraordinarily high, and the audience has been fantastic," remarked Soile Isokoski, the jury chairperson.

The competition, known for its rigorous standards and the exceptional talent it attracts, saw Xu outperform strong contenders from around the globe.

Winners and Prizes

First Place: Jingjing Xu, China, Mezzo-Soprano - €50,000

Second Place: Kathrin Lorenzen, Germany, Soprano - €40,000

Third Place: Junho Hwang, South Korea, Tenor - €30,000

The other finalists, who each received €10,000, included Polish soprano Justyna Khil, Armenian baritone Aksel Daveyan, and Croatian soprano Josipa Bilić.

Special Awards

Best Lied Performance: Gabriel Rollinson, German Baritone, for Harry Burleigh's "Among the Fuchsias" - €5,000

Best Finnish Solo Song Performance: Renáta Gebe-Fügi, Hungarian Soprano, for Erkki Melartin's "Minä metsän polkuja kuljen" - €5,000

Press Jury’s Favorite: Hedvig Haugerud, Norwegian Soprano

Student Jury’s Favorite: Jingjing Xu, chosen by students from Turku University of Applied Sciences, the Sibelius Academy, and Metropolia University of Applied Sciences

Yle Audience Award: Kathrin Lorenzen

The competition's jury comprised prominent figures in the classical music world:

Soile Isokoski (Chairperson), Soprano

Luca Pisaroni, Bass-Baritone

Keval Shah, Pianist

Bo Skovhus, Baritone

Randi Stene, Mezzo-Soprano

Dawn Upshaw, Soprano

The Mirjam Helin Singing Competition continues to be a significant event in the classical music calendar, providing a platform for young artists to showcase their talents and further their careers. This year’s competition highlighted not only the incredible abilities of the participants but also the global appeal and high standards of the event.