Results announced for the 2026 Barbash J.S. Bach Competition

The 2026 Lillian and Maurice Barbash J.S. Bach Competition concluded on October 15 at Stony Brook University’s Staller Center Recital Hall, showcasing exceptional string talent with a focus on solo works by J.S. Bach.

Among the five finalists, representing a spectrum of string instruments and nationalities, American violinist Leah Amory emerged as the grand prize winner. Her performance secured her a $10,000 award in addition to six forthcoming paid concert engagements. This achievement adds to Amory’s notable career, which includes prestigious scholarships and mentorships with distinguished artists such as Itzhak Perlman and Pamela Frank.

The finalists included violinists Emrik Revermann from Canada and Yebin Yoo from South Korea, along with violist Alessandra Yang and cellist Peter Eom, both from the United States. Each artist delivered compelling interpretations of Bach’s compositions for unaccompanied strings, reflecting a high level of technical skill and musical insight.

Peter Eom distinguished himself as the recipient of the second prize, which came with a monetary award of $2,500. Eom is an accomplished cellist with academic credentials from the Colburn Conservatory, Northwestern University, and the Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto. He is also a member of the award-winning Rolston Quartet.

The jury for this edition of the competition included respected musicians Julie Andrijeski, Colin Carr, Nicholas Cords, Arthur Haas, and Hye-Jin Kim, who evaluated the performances with a keen focus on stylistic authenticity and interpretive depth.

The Barbash Competition is recognized for its rigorous standards and its emphasis on solo string repertoire by Bach. It continues to highlight emerging talents who demonstrate both technical prowess and a deep understanding of Baroque performance practice.

Recent years have seen a variety of string players claim top honors, including baroque violinist Danqi Zeng in 2025 and violinist Emmanuel Coppey in 2023. Notably, the 2024 competition did not award a first prize, underscoring the demanding criteria set by the panel.

Leah Amory’s victory is significant not only for the prestige attached but also for the opportunities it affords her to further her career through concert appearances. Her extensive background, which includes participation in prominent music festivals such as Marlboro and Ravinia, complements her competition success.

The Barbash Competition remains an important platform for young string players aged 16 to 30, encouraging the exploration of Bach’s solo works and fostering the next generation of classical musicians. The event continues to attract a diverse field, reflecting the global interest in Bach’s enduring repertoire.

Details of the performances and the jury’s deliberations remain limited, but the competition’s outcomes contribute to the ongoing celebration of string artistry and the legacy of J.S. Bach in contemporary classical music circles.