Egyptian-Hungarian sisters Amira Abouzahra and Mariam Abouzahra won the highest awards at the 13th edition of the International Arthur Grumiaux Competition for Young Violinists, which was held between 12 and 15 March in Brussels, Belgium.
The news was revealed by the violinists father, Ahmed Abouzahra, who is an Egyptian pianist and cultural manager, on his Facebook page shortly after the win. Abouzahra shared photos of his daughters holding the certificates.
Amira won the first prize for the performance in Category C (14 to 18 years old), while Mariam won the second prize in Category B (10 to 14 years old).
"This competition is one of the most prestigious competitions for young violinists worldwide and it is held every year in Brussels, Belgium," Ahmed Abouzahra said in the post.
Born to an Egyptian father and Hungarian mother, both girls have made their mark in the international music scene, performing extensively at prestigious music halls and garnering awards.
Amira and Mariam come from an artistic family, with both parents being pianists, while their grandfather Abdelrahman Abouzahra is one of the most renowned Egyptian actors of his generation.
One of the most prestigious competitions for young violinists, the 13th edition of the Grumiaux International Competition for Young Violinists takes place at the Royal Conservatory of Brussels.
This year, the competition saw 121 applicants from 38 countries, while 64 young musicians were selected for the final competition.
The competition closed on 15 March with the laureates concert.
