Windsor Festival International String Competition 2026 - Grand Final

Following two days of exceptional performances in the live Semi-final rounds at Windsor, three outstanding young string players have been chosen to advance to the Grand Final of the landmark 10th anniversary edition of the Windsor Festival International String Competition (WFISC). In a major elevation to the competition's format for its 10th edition, these three finalists perform a complete concerto alongside a full orchestra, Orpheus Sinfonia, under the baton of conductor Rory MacDonald at Eton College's School Hall on Friday, 2 October 2026, in front of a public audience and live-streamed to YouTube. The 2026 WFISC Finalists (Presented in order of appearance) • Sophia Werner, Violin, 23, American • Concerto Choice: Mozart Violin Concerto No. 3 in G major, K. 216 • Emad Zolfaghari, Viola, 21, Canadian • Concerto Choice: Walton Viola Concerto • Rokas Diržys, Violin, 18, Lithuanian • Concerto Choice: Tchaikovsky Violin Concerto in D Major, Op. 35 The Grand Final marks the first time in WFISC history that competitors perform full concertos with a live orchestra. The finalists perform before the WFISC Panel of International Jury including renowned international musicians and industry leaders: WFISC 2026 Panel of International Jury • Joji Hattori – Violinist and Conductor • Hsin-yun Huang – Violist • Raphael Wallfisch – Cellist • Sally Beamish – Composer • Rory MacDonald – Conductor • Alexander van Ingen – Executive Producer, Champs Hill Records • Tom Philpott – Director of Artistic Planning, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra • Martin Denny – Director, Windsor Festival WFISC 2026 Prizes The winner will be awarded a transformative, career-launching prize package valued at over £40,000, which includes: • A £5,000 cash prize. • A solo recording with Champs Hill Records. • A performance in Windsor Castle during the 2027 Windsor Festival with Associate Orchestra, the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra (RPO), followed by a UK tour. • A concerto commission from Sally Beamish, featuring a world premiere performance in London with Orpheus Sinfonia in June 2027. • Recital opportunities including at La Mortella (Ischia, Italy) and UK Festivals. • Further cash prizes will be awarded for second and third place, alongside an audience prize and an orchestra prize. With grateful thanks to The Storey Foundation and Amazon UK for their generous support for WFISC 2026 and making it possible.