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Inspired by the success of the Gina Bachauer International Piano Competition, a Utah violin-shop owner plans to start a similar competition for violinists in Salt Lake City beginning next summer.

The Stradivarius International Violin Competition, sponsored by Charles W. Liu Fine Violins and the University of Utah School of Music, hopes to draw talented players from around the world. The musicians will compete for money, prizes and honors before a panel of international judges.

The premiere event is scheduled for June 11-14, 2007, at Libby Gardner Concert Hall on the U. campus. Liu said he envisioned the competition as a way to thank the community for its support of his shop. It's also a way to draw attention to the rich musical tradition found in Utah, he said.

"We can bring more people to Utah and bring the standards of players here higher." The grand prize is $10,000 in cash and one of Liu's handmade violins, valued at $10,000. The competition committee also hopes to offer a concert appearance for the grand prize winner.

In addition to the main competition, local violinists may enter a youth category that will occur in alternating years.