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By 2010, it had achieved what Zhang calls a "miracle". "We had 15 groups to compete in the string quartet competition, an unprecedented number." It was also the first international string quartet competition staged in China since 1949.

The winner was the veteran Hungarian Kelemen Quartet. A young Shanghai-based assembly, was named "most promising young string quartet" and won a scholarship to Vienna. Many more musicians are now competing, not just for the prize, but the experience.

"It's not just a competition, but a great show of great music at very high level," Zhang says.

Su Zhen, judge and professor at the Central Conservatory of Music, has called the event "star-studded", adding, "It shows what we're capable of."

"It has the potential to become Asia's most important music competition," says Raimund Trenkler, president of Kronberg Academy and chairman of the jury in 2010. "I think it is most important to discover young Chinese musicians, and let the world hear their passion for music."

"Now, with our record, the two things we don't have to worry about are judges and participants," Zhang says.

The competition, while still not making money, has inked a five-year contract with the Emilia Romagna Festival for its winners. It will take a year off and relaunch in 2015.

"My dream is simple, make the BJIMC a top-notch competition and make it last," Zhang says. "It's sure to happen."

"What I have learned over the years is this: Stick to the thing you really want, and it will come true."

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