Joann Falleta International Competition, June´10 NY-USA

BUFFALO, NY – – June 5, 2010 Following Friday night’s final round performance with the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, BPO Music Director JoAnn Falletta announced that Artyom Dervoed of Russia captured first place honors in the fourth biennial JoAnn Falletta International Guitar Concerto Competition, produced by WNED and the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra.

Dervoed will receive a prize package featuring $7,500 cash (US); broadcast exposure; a concert tour, including a return engagement with the BPO and appearances with the Virginia Symphony (JoAnn Falletta, Music Director), at the Round Top Music Festival in Texas and other venues; and a Luthier Concert Guitar from Guitarras Alhambra in Spain.

Nemanja Ostojić of Serbia placed second, and received a $3,000 prize. Thomas Viloteau of France took third place and a $1,500 prize, along with the Musicians Award from members of the BPO.

Dervoed also received the Audience Favorite Award.

The three finalists performed concerti conducted by JoAnn Falletta for judges and a live audience in Kleinhans Music Hall.

The competition was judged by Joanne Castellani and Michael Andriaccio, internationally acclaimed touring and recording artists, who also co-directed the competition; Michael Colina, New York-based Grammy® winning jazz composer; Micaela Pittaluga, founder of the Alessandria International Guitar Competition and president of the Pittaluga Competition; Ernesto Bitetti, a classical guitarist who has performed with orchestras worldwide; Ernesto Cordero, a composer and guitarist whose Caribbean-influenced music is performed and recorded worldwide; and Laura Oltman, a guitarist acclaimed for her recital and chamber music performances.

“It was an absolutely extraordinary event where three of the finest young guitarists in the world performed,” Castellani and Andriaccio said. “It was a difficult decision, but we are delighted with the result and who will represent the Competition on the world stage.”

Nine classical guitarists, representing eight nations, competed earlier this week in the semifinal rounds of the world’s only classical guitar concerto competition, named after the BPO Music Director.

“Once again, we’re very proud and impressed with the performers and the judges,” said BPO Executive Director Daniel Hart. “On behalf of BPO music director JoAnn Falletta and the orchestra, I thank everyone for their dedication and enthusiasm.”

“It’s always an honor working with the BPO to make this event happen,” said WNED President and CEO Donald K. Boswell. “The music of the guitar is an excellent ambassador to help share all of the cultural treasures of Western New York with the world.”

The 2010 Falletta Competition is presented by BlueCross BlueShield of Western New York. It is also sponsored, in part, by: NOCO, 757 Productions, Inc., T.G. DeZastro MD, Fichte Endl & Elmer Eyecare, Niagara Lutheran Health System, Alesco Advisors, Ward Family Foundation, Merrill Lynch Wealth Management, Buffalo Spree Magazine, Catholic Health, Buffalo Niagara Convention and Visitors Bureau, Child and Family Services, Kaz Brothers, Buffalo Optical, Park Creek Senior Living Community, Robertson & Bach Fine Jewelry, OTB, Batavia Downs Casino, Dunn Tire, Ecology and Environment, Inc. and ECVA Eyecare.

Additional support is provided by GSP San Francisco, Adam’s Mark hotel, Prospero Restaurant, Wegmans, the Anchor Bar, Savarez, Editions Orphée, Fleur du Son Classics, Alhambra Guitars, Pearl Street Grill and Brewery and the Friends of Falletta.

Through WNED-TV, ThinkBright and Well, Classical 94.5/WNED-FM and WNED-AM 970 The Information Station, the member-supported WNED Buffalo/Toronto provides high quality programming and services that enlighten, inspire, entertain and educate our communities.

Celebrating its 75th year, the Grammy® winning Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra is an internationally recognized symphony of the highest artistic caliber and an indispensable part of the Western New York community’s quality of life.

Fuente: http://www.fallettacompetition.org/news/2010/2010_winner.html