A young Victoria fiddler was named as the 2024 National Swing Division Youth Champion Fiddler and placed second in the junior age category at a national fiddling competition in the U.S.
From June 16 to 22, the town of Weiser, Idaho was abuzz during the 71st annual National Oldtime FiddlersB´ÎÔª¹ÙÍøÍøÖ·™ Contest and Festival. Victoria's Max Francis managed to claim the youth champion fiddler title after several days of what organizers said was "high-energy competition and jaw-dropping performances."
"The National Oldtime Fiddlers' Contest and Festival is not only a celebration of outstanding musicianship but also a testament to the power of music to bring people together and celebrate musical talents of people from across the nation and throughout the world," Gary Schuh, National NOTF board president, said in a news release.
The competition featured fiddlers from across the world, including Italy and Japan, "captivating audiences with their extraordinary skills and passion for preserving the rich heritage of old-time fiddle music," according to the release.