The eastern coastal city of Qingdao, Shandong province, will be holding the 4th China International Violin Competition, at its Grand Theater, Oct 16-29, co-hosted by the Culture Ministry and municipal government, drawing in 45 contestants selected from more than 100 players from countries around the world.

The organizers have asked Hu Kun, a Chinese-French violinist and professor at the UK’s Royal Academy of Music, to preside over the judges panel, with 10 of them from other countries.

The competition started nine years ago and is held every three years in Qingdao and has gained a reputation internationally.