And finally, NTD's third annual Chinese International Violin Competition has wrapped. Chris Chappell brings us the sights and sounds from New York City.

Merkin Hall is once again hosting NTD’s Chinese International Violin Competition. This year we’ve chosen some pretty tricky pieces, but contestants are backstage, ready to show us what they’ve got.

These contestants have studied at some of the finest music schools in the world, Michigan State, Julliard, the New England Conservatory. Now, they must face the scrutiny of the judges, and possible elimination.

Today’s repertoire consists of Beethoven Violin Sonata #3, and an unaccompanied Bach Fugue. It has been said that Bach gave us God’s word and Beethoven gave us God’s fire.

The styles of the two pieces are very different, but contestants must master each, if they want to stand a chance of winning the gold prize, $5,000, and a handcrafted violin.

As the finalists are announced, a lucky few take one step closer to glory.

Finals:

The air is almost electric as contestants prepare themselves for the final round. This will be the moment that decides it all.

Technique and fingers are pushed to the max in this final round. A brand new work for the violin has been composed especially for this competition, Dedu Theme and Variation. In Chinese, Dedu means, be saved, and with the beauty these players bring to it, its not hard to imagine the feeling.

And so after many hours of hard work and practice, it’s time for the winner to be announced. Hailing from California, and a student at Julliard, Corin Lee became NTD’s 2010 champion.

And so concludes the 2010 Chinese International Violin Competition.

This is Chris Chappell
NTD, New York