Pianist Eric Sun (14) of Chapel Hill, was the Grand Prize winner of the Youth Competition and received a Bärenreiter set of The Complete Keyboard Works of Bach. A student of Durham piano teacher Terry Correia, he performed Johann Sebastian Bach’s Prelude from English Suite No. 2 in A Minor, BWV 807 and the Fantasia in C Major Wq59/6, H.284 by Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach.

Luke Bleuel (17) of Seneca, SC, a student of Greenville, SC’s Jennifer John, won the string division prize and was presented with a Baroque bow, generously provided by sponsor Lamotte Violins for his performance of JS Bach’s Partita No. 3 in E Major, BWV 1006.

Sophia Major of Weddington, NC and a student of Charlotte’s Tatiana Karpova, was recognized by the judges for her excellent musicianship at the age of 14 and was awarded the Dr. Reta Phifer Encouragement Award.

In the non-competition Adult category, cellist Kelvin Chang performed Bach’s Cello Suite No. 4 in E-flat Major, BMV 1010

Several students had the unique opportunity to attend a masterclass with judge Guy Fishman, Principal Cellist of Handel and Haydn Society (in addition to Bach Akademie Orchestra), and one of the preeminent baroque cellists of our time. Students had the chance to fine-tune the pieces they presented through Mr. Fishman’s guidance. He instructed the players on Baroque gesture and nuance, opening the door to the world of historically-informed performance.

Education is an intrinsic component of Bach Akademie Charlotte. We look forward to growing the Carolina Bach Competition each year and fulfilling one of our core values that everyone deserves the opportunity to experience the timeless insight into the shared human experience that Bach’s music offers.