Violinist Jascha Heifetz returns in spirit

VILNIUS - The first Jascha Heifetz International Violinists' Competition was held in Vilnius on Feb. 13-17. Heifetz was arguably the most famous violinist of the 20th century. The competition finale was held at the National Philharmonic Hall. As a young boy, Heifetz played in the same hall some 90 years ago.

Heifetz was born in Vilnius on Feb. 2, 1901. A commemorative plaque was unveiled on Jan. 31 at the former music school where he learned to play the violin.

Speaking at the ceremony, U.S. Ambassador John Tefft said, "This ceremony shows that relations between Lithuania and America are very close." Heifetz emmigrated to the United States in his teenage years.

Markas Petuchauskas, chairman of Lithuania's Jewish Cultural Club, called Heifetz "the Paganini of the 20th century."

"It's time to remind his native town of its great violinist," Saulius Sondeckis, conductor of the Lithuanian Chamber Orchestra, said.

The competition pitted together 28 young violinists under the age of 25 from eight countries. Gidon Kremer, chairman of the jury, awarded 16-year-old Jaroslaw Nadrzycki from Poland first prize. Second prize was won by Hanako Uesato from Japan. Third place was shared by three violinists, Maria Krestinskaya from Russia and two Lithuanians, Ruta Lipinaityte and Marija Nemanyte.