The second Beijing International Music Competition for Clarinet reached its highest note on Monday. Winners from this year's crop of young music talents from around the world joined maestros on stage for an awards concert at the Beijing Concert Hall.

Out of 117 contestants from nearly 20 countries and regions only six young clarinet players made it to the final round. They impressed the panel of judges with their individual understanding of music, and their fresh yet bold demonstrations of musicality.

The second Beijing International Music Competition for Clarinet reached its highest note on Monday.

Valentin Uryupin of Russia eventually took first prize. He joined noted artists in performing Bartok's Contrasts for clarinet, violin, and piano.

Second prize went to Moran Katz from Israel. Chikako Kondo from Japan, and Eloise Susannah Fisher from Australia shared third prize.

Han Kim, a South Korean clarinet student who is at the tender age of 13, was honored as "The Most Promising Young Artist".

After receiving the award, he played Debussy's Rhapsody for the packed house.

Gerd Starke, the chairman of jury of the second Beijing International Music Competition said, "Chinese contestants performed very well. 22 Chinese contestants made it to the semi-finals, but unfortunately they didn't make it to the final round. I hope there will be more Chinese contestants appearing in the final round next time."

The 2nd Beijing International Music Competition attempts a repeat of the successful Nicolet Flute venture in 2006. This time it focuses on clarinet. The competition scans the world to support gifted young clarinetists and to find budding musicians with excellent potentials. It also creates an international dialogue of music.

Apart from the in-competition categories, the event also tailors master-classes for clarinet lovers at the Beijing Concert Hall.

The 2nd Beijing International Music Competition ends on Wednesday.