The 26-year-old Saeijs, who studied at the Royal Conservatoire of The Hague and currently studies at the Indiana University School of Music, also won awards for best interpretation of a contemporary work and best concerto interpretation, as well as a prize from students of Parisian music schools.

The competition's top prize comes with an award of 45,000 euros. Second prize (15,200 euros) went to Shion Manami of Japan, and third prize (6,100 euros) to Haik Kazazyan of Armenia.

The Long-Thibaud competition was established by pianist Marguerite Long and violinist Jacques Thibaud in 1943. The annual competition alternates between pianists and violinists.