Lillian and Maurice Barbash J. S. Bach Competition Announces Finalists for Fifth Annual Competition

Violinists Karisa Chiu, Emmanuel Coppey, and Youjin Lee, and violist Giorgi Mardaleishvili will compete in the Finals of the 2023 Lillian and Maurice Barbash J.S. Bach Competition on Friday, October 20 at Stony Brook University’s Staller Center Recital Hall. The Finals will be streamed live on the Violin Channel at 1:00 pm.

The jurors are violinists Ani Kavafian, Daniel Stepner, Cynthia Roberts; cellist Colin Carr, and harpsichordist Arthur Haas.

In five short years the Lillian and Maurice Barbash J.S. Bach Competition has become a truly international competition, attracting superb musicians from the world over. This year’s Finals will feature string players from France, Korea, the Republic of Georgia, and the United States.

In addition to a cash award of $5000, the Grand Prize includes 5 paid performing engagements with some of the most prestigious baroque presenters in the country including Gotham Early Music Scene (GEMS), the Washington Bach Consort, Bach Choir of Bethlehem, and Amor Artis.

About our Finalists:

Karisa Chiu: Violinist Karisa Chiu has earned numerous international accolades, including first prize in the Isang Yun Violin Competition, fourth and composer prizes of the Menuhin Violin Competition, and second prize of the Leopold Mozart International Violin Competition, and third prize and Bach prize of the Stulberg International String Competition.

Emmanuel Coppey: A Queen Elisabeth Music Chapel Artist-in-Residence, and Frankfurt Ensemble Modern Academy and London Contemporary soloists member, French violinist Emmanuel Coppey has collaborated with Rachel Podger, Alexei Ogrintchouk, Guy van Waas and Christopher Warren-Green. His repertoire ranges from baroque to contemporary music, including all Bach Sonatas and Partitas.

 Youjin Lee: Violinist Youjin Lee is making a name for herself as an artist with a deep sense of musical purpose and notable virtuosity. At 17 years old, she won first prize in both the Stulberg International String Competition and the Irving M. Klein International String Competition. More recently she was awarded 1st prize and audience prizes at the Washington International String Competition.

Giorgi Mardaleishvili: Georgian-born Giorgi Mardaleishvili is the recipient of Second Place Award in the Otar Taktakishvili International Music Competition and is a frequent collaborator with the Georgian National Music Center and Georgian Philharmonic Orchestra. He has performed as a soloist and chamber ensemble member in various concerts and festivals throughout Europe. He is Principal Violist of the Tsinandali Festival Symphony Orchestra

The competition was established to honor Long Island residents Lillian and Maurice Barbash for their life-long commitment to the arts.