Philadelphia Classical Guitar Society Announces Winners of Competition

The Philadelphia Classical Guitar Society proudly announces the winners of the 2016 Philadelphia Classical Guitar Competition featuring the Peter Segal Prize for the first place Adult Division winner. Winners received merchandise prizes generously supplied by the D'Addario Foundation, Savarez, Strings by Mail, and Barnett Guitar Supports with monetary awards for first through third place winners as well.

Comprised of three judging rounds, competitors were first assessed via recordings submitted with applications. The semifinalists in each category then performed at the start of the 2016 Philadelphia Classical Guitar Festival for high school judges Tom Amoriello, Rick Dammers, and Greg Janicki and adult judges Brendan Evans, Alan Krantz, and Rick Dammers. The four finalists then performed on day two of the festival for high school judges Keith Calmes, Robert Weintraut, and Christopher Ladd and adult judges Antigoni Goni, Christopher Ladd, and Richard Provost.

Adult Division Winners:

First Place and Peter Segal Prize: Bokyung Byun, The Julliard School, student of Sharon Isbin

Second Place: Josh Moore, The Manhattan School of Music, student of David Starobin

Third Place: John Bogan, The San Francisco Conservatory, student of Sergio Assad

Fourth Place: Erich Riebe, Graduate of Rowan University, former student of Kathleen Mayes

High School Division Winners:

First Place: Grant Lu, Wilmington Charter School, student of Jason Vieaux

Second Place: Mia Gagliardi, home schooled, student of Karl Garrett

Third Place: Gray Scott, home schooled, student of Douglas Seth

Fourth Place: Yaodong Yu, student of Kathleen Mayes

The Peter Segal Prize

The Peter Segal Prize, first prize adult division, was created in 2008 to honor Peter Segal, one of the most important figures in the history of the Philadelphia Classical Guitar Society and the classical guitar in Philadelphia. Originally funded through donation, the $1000 prize is now funded by PCGS and its sponsors. Peter was a prominent musician in Philadelphia and a founding member of the society in 1967. He performed with a variety of ensembles including The Philadelphia Orchestra, The Concerto Soloists, The Opera Company of Philadelphia and Relâche. His career included both domestic and international touring as a solo guitarist and in a flute/guitar duo with flutist Janet Ketchum. Peter Segal was also a well regarded teacher and scholar and founded classical guitar programs at several institutions including the Boyer College of Music at Temple University and the Philadelphia Musical Academy. He continued to be an active performer and teacher until he passed away in January 2006. His legacy is enhanced by the large number of his students who have gone on to professional careers as teachers and performers.

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