The Portuguese violist Francisca Galante (17 years old) won the 2nd prize in category 3 (for conservatory students) at the National Finals of the Prinses Christina Competition 2021. This was just announced by Her Royal Highness Princes Margriet on a special live streamed awards ceremony this evening. Francisca played the 1st movement of Hindemith’s solo sonata op.25 no.1, and the Pensiero & Allegro Appassionato by Frank Bridge (accompanied by Martijn Willers on the piano). You can watch her performance through this link.

Next to the honours, Francisca was also awarded a solo appearance with JON (Youth Orchestra of The Netherlands) and the Wijnhaven prize (masterclasses). Francisca is currently a 1st year student in the class of Francien Schatborn at the Conservatory of Amsterdam.

The Dutch violist Norea Quirijnen (16 years old, a pupil of Julia Dinerstein) also appeared among the 17 finalists this week. (Update 25/04/2021:) She won an audience prize for her rendition of the Rubinstein viola sonata (1st movement).  You can watch her performance through this link.

Congratulations to both Francisca and Norea!

The complete results of the PCC National Finals can be found here.