TEHRAN -- Iran is to participate in the 9th Pablo Sarasate International Violin Competition to be held in Pamplona, Spain in September.

One hundred and fifteen participants aged 15 to 28 will demonstrate their skill on the violin during this unique world event.

Entries to this prestigious event include violinists from many countries including Germany, Armenia, Australia, Belgium, Canada, Turkey, Georgia, Croatia, and France.

The number of participants in previous editions of this competition has usually been between 30 and 40, but this year the number has increased to 115.

This is a biennial event which takes place under the supervision of the chairman Vladimir Spikavov.

The first prize winner will receive 10,000.00 €, the second 7,000.00 €, and the third 5,000.00 €.

The special jury prize will be awarded to three participants -- the best interpreter of works by the Spanish violinist Sarasate, the best participant as selected by the public, and the best pianist accompanying a contestant.

The winner of the first prize in 2005 was Je-Hye Lee from South Korea, second prize went to Daniel Austrich from Germany, and third prize was awarded to Ui-Youn Hong from South Korea.