According to the Abu Dhabi Media Office, the jury recognised the winning works for their technical excellence, sophisticated compositional technique and emotional depth, with particular emphasis on the clarity and strength of musical expression suitable for the concert stage.
The jury was chaired by Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Du Yun and included distinguished composers and producers such as Elmar Lampson, Shen Ye, Aigerim Seilova, Naji Hakim, and Robert Townson, highlighting the high artistic standard and international recognition of Vlahek’s achievement.
This prestigious international competition, organised jointly by the Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation and the Abu Dhabi Festival, is held under the honorary patronage of Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the UAE.
In addition to a cash prize and promotion, Vlahek’s award-winning piece will soon be recorded in Abu Dhabi.