Tchaikovsky Finale Crowns Karisa Chiu’s Indianapolis Victory
American violinist Karisa Chiu has won the Gold Medal at the International Violin Competition of Indianapolis 2026
Denis Ryan Kelly Jr.
An enthusiastic reception for Karisa Chiu’s Tchaikovsky Violin Concerto marked the closing performance of the 12th International Violin Competition of Indianapolis. Around 45 minutes later, the American violinist was announced as its Gold Medalist.
Chiu, 27, was the last of six finalists to perform with the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra under Leonard Slatkin at Hilbert Circle Theatre. The orchestral Finals unfolded over two evenings, featuring concertos by Bartók, Mendelssohn, Sibelius, Brahms and Tchaikovsky.
Earlier, each finalist had performed a Mozart concerto with the conductorless East Coast Chamber Orchestra. Chiu chose the Fourth Concerto in D major.
Her Indianapolis triumph follows victory at the 2021 Isangyun Violin Competition and prizewinning appearances at other international competitions. She also participated in the previous Indianapolis edition in 2022.
The Gold Medal brings $75,000 and substantial professional opportunities, including a Carnegie Hall recital debut, a recording contract, and four years of career management and international engagements.
Elli Choi of the United States took Silver, while China’s Aozhe Zhang received Bronze.
For Jury President Jaime Laredo, the competition’s decisive qualities extended beyond technical assurance to musical communication and individual expression. Chiu’s victory brings a new milestone in her career as the competition prepares to honour all six laureates at its closing gala on 4 October.
