A COMPETITION held at St Andrews University and featuring some of the world’s leading young viola players has been won by Daniel Palmizio (23), from Italy.

The four-day event, which carried a first prize of £3000 and a fine viola made by Rex England, was held to celebrate the centenary of the birth of viola player Watson Forbes, St Andrews’ most eminent musical son.

Forbesfest, organised jointly by the university and the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama, showcased 32 of most talented young viola players from more than 20 countries.

The joint prizes of £1000 each, the Hetty Buchanan Prize and the Royal and Ancient Golf Club Prize, went to Jano Lisboa from Portugal, now living in Munich

Meanwhile, a special Inspiration Medal contest, an audience prize given by children from a dozen local primary schools, was won by Kristina Fialova, from the Czech Republic.