Minami Yoshida ’21, ’24 MM Wins Second Prize at International Jean Sibelius Violin Competition

Alumna Minami Yoshida ’21, ’24 MM has been awarded Second Prize at the prestigious International Jean Sibelius Violin Competition, held in Helsinki this May. In addition to this major honor, Yoshida was recognized with the award for Best Performance of the Sibelius Violin Concerto, a distinction bestowed by the Sibelius family in memory of the legendary composer.

A former student of renowned violinist and pedagogue Miriam Fried, Yoshida earned both her undergraduate and master’s degrees from NEC. Her powerful interpretation of the Sibelius Concerto, a centerpiece of the competition’s final round, earned high praise from the jury and audience alike.

Yoshida received a €20,000 cash prize for her Second Prize finish, along with an additional €3,000 for the special Sibelius Concerto performance award. As part of her prize package, she will perform with the Helsinki Philharmonic during the 2026–2027 concert season.

This recognition marks another milestone in a rapidly rising international career for the gifted young violinist.

Congratulations, Minami!