2023 Radda Rise International String Competition

 

David Liam Alexander

1st Prize

Category 1

 

Known for his captivating musicality and "wonderful character in his playing" (Gudny Gudmundsdottir, 2022 Enkor International Violin Competition), David Liam Alexander is a passionate nine-year-old violinist of Romanian descent residing in Illinois. He embarked on his violin journey at the age of five guided by Magdalena Ursu, a respected violin professor at the "Dinu Lipatti" National Arts High School in Bucharest.

Despite his young age, Liam has already established himself as an impressive violinist, earning recognition in numerous international competitions. In 2023, he captivated audiences at the Leonid Kogan International Competition for Young Violinists in Brussels, where his outstanding performance merited a Special Mention for a Noteworthy Performance. Furthermore, Liam was victorious in the Music Singapore International Piano & Violin Competition, S.E. Aphrodite Voice Cyprus International Music Competition, and Concursul Napocensis Music in Romania, securing 1st place in each competition.

Among his notable accomplishments in 2022, Liam claimed 1st prize at the Chambana International Music Competition held in Champaign, Illinois. His talent also shone brightly at the Enkor International Violin Competition and the American Music Talent Competition, where he achieved 3rd prize. Additionally, Liam received the esteemed Gold Medal at the North American Virtuoso International Music Competition. He was awarded 1st prize in several other competitions including the Muse International Music Competition (Greece), Geneva International Competition - Melos (Switzerland), and Charleston International Music Competition as well as 1st Prize of Excellence in the International Competition Scherzo (Romania).

In 2021, Liam's musical prowess led to him being awarded 3rd prize at the International Competition "Remember Enescu" and 1st prize in the Music Box International Online Contest. He further showcased his skills at the "George Manoliu" Competition in Romania, emerging as the winner. Notably, Liam's exceptional interpretation of a Romanian work earned him both 1st prize and the prize for the best interpretation of a Romanian piece, sponsored by the "Remember Enescu" Foundation, at the 2021 "Paul Constantinescu" Competition in Romania.

Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic in 2020, Liam emerged as the triumphant 1st prize winner in the "Violin Doc" International Online Festival. His remarkable talent earned him 3rd prize and the special prize for being the youngest violinist at the Online Prestissimo International Violin Competition. Liam was also honored with the Special Prize for Virtuosity at the International Festival Rezonante Muzicale.

In the summer of 2022, Liam embarked on an enriching musical journey by participating in the Harpa International Music Academy (HIMA) USA. This intensive summer music academy, dedicated to strings and string chamber music, provided him with invaluable experiences on the breathtaking shores of Lake Erie in Northeast Ohio. As a member of the HIMA orchestra, Liam assumed the role of the first violinist, enchanting audiences with their performance of Boyce's Symphony No. 4. He also showcased his versatility and collaborative skills as the second violinist in his string quartet.

Beyond violin, Liam is an experienced pianist studying under the tutelage of Hyung Ja Kim. He holds a deep love for reading, drawing and other visual arts, competing in LEGO competitions, and cherishing quality time with his friends. He also finds joy in taking care of his kitty, Monique.

 

Introduction and Polonaise

from Arabesken, No. 12 by Carl Bohm


Praeludium and Allegro

in the Style of Pugnani by Fritz Kreisler