The 2017 edition of the prestigious Queen Elisabeth Competition offers a new radio twist. Euroradio Member RTBF and its Musiq'3 classical music channel are making available the finals, held at Brussels' Bozar from 29 May to 3 June, not only in stereo but also in 3D (binaural) sound. This technique enables listeners wearing headphones to have a sense of total immersion within multi-dimensional acoustics, made possible by the virtual positioning of microphones in a three-dimensional space.

RTBF General Administrator and EBU President Jean-Paul Philippot tested the new sound technology on 3 May (pictured), commenting: "RTBF is pleased and proud to offer this new binaural sound technology for the finals of the Queen Elisabeth Competition. It provides the opportunity for genuine sound immersion, helping listeners feel even more present at the event. Moreover – and this is no doubt the primary benefit – their emotional link with the music is amplified. The artists' performances are more transparent, and the space sounds more natural, thereby inviting listeners into the music and to connect with its performers – just like at a concert!"

To have access to the binaural sound files, EBU radio organizations should contact Virginie Robineau (robineau@ebu.ch).

The prizewinners of this year's Competition, devoted to cello for the very first time, were announced as follows:

First Prize: Victor Julien-Laferrière (France)
Second Prize: Yuya Okamoto (Japan)
Third Prize: Santiago Cañón-Valencia (Colombia)
Fourth Prize: Aurélien Pascal (France)
Fifth Prize: Ivan Karizna (also Prix Musiq'3 and Canvas-Klaraprijs) (Belarus)
Sixth Prize: Brannon Cho (USA)

Founded in 1937 in memory of the famous Belgian virtuoso violinist Eugène Ysaÿe by Belgium's Queen Elisabeth – herself an accomplished violinist – the Competition for the world's best under-30 musicians that bears her name is still going strong. Each evening, the young finalists shared the stage with the Brussels Philharmonic, conducted by Stéphane Denève.

For more information, please see the Musiq'3 and RTBF culture websites.