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Guitarist from Turkey wins JoAnn Falletta International Guitar Concerto Competition

by jmaloni
Mon, Jun 11th 2012 07:00 am

Celil Refik Kaya of Turkey takes top prize in international event organized by WNED and the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra

Following this past weekend's final round performance with the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, Celil Refik Kaya of Turkey captured first place honors in the fourth biennial JoAnn Falletta International Guitar Concerto Competition. Eight classical guitarists, representing eight nations, competed throughout the week in the competition, presented by WNED and the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra.

Kaya receive a prize package featuring $10,000 cash (U.S.); a return engagement with the BPO and appearances with the Virginia Symphony (where Falletta is music director), at the Round Top Music Festival in Texas and other venues; a concert guitar by Gabriel Hernandez Jimenez, Mexico; and a crystal trophy.

Petrit Ceku of Croatia placed second, and received a $3,000 prize. Ekachai Jearakul of Thailand took third place and a $1,500 prize.

Petrit Ceku of Croatia received both the Audience Favorite Award and the Musicians Award from members of the BPO.

Buffalo-based Joanne Castellani and Michael Andriaccio, a well-known international chamber ensemble duo, are the competition's artistic directors. In addition to Castellani and Andriaccio, the live competitions were judged by Eduardo Fernandez, classical guitarist active composer and researcher; Adam Holzman, guitarist, teacher, international performer and recording artist; Ricardo Iznaola, chair of the guitar and harp department and director of the conservatory program at the University at Denver's Lamont School of Music; Tony Morris, featured performer on "Classical Guitar Alive" radio program; and Berta Rojas, classical guitar recording artist. For more information, visitwww.fallettacompetition.org.

About the JoAnn Falletta International Guitar Concerto Competition

Founded in 2004 and organized by WNED and the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, the competition is one of the foremost musical events in the world and the first concerto competition for classical guitarists. It is named in honor of the BPO's music director.

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