Winners announced at International Bottesini Competition

The 10th International Bottesini Competition concluded on October 25, 2023, in Crema, Italy, spotlighting young talent in the field of double bass performance. Hosted at the historic Teatro San Domenico, the competition featured four finalists who each performed Giovanni Bottesini’s challenging Double Bass Concerto No. 2 in B minor, accompanied by the Bottesini Orchestra under the direction of Enrico Fagone.

Emerging as the winner was 23-year-old Dutch double bassist Sasha Witteveen, who was awarded the prestigious first prize: a high-quality double bass crafted by renowned luthier Marco Nolli. This accolade marked a significant milestone in Witteveen’s career, recognizing her technical proficiency and musical interpretation of Bottesini’s demanding concerto.

The runner-up position was claimed by 24-year-old Italian bassist Nicola Carrara, who received a double bass made by Richard Gonon. Carrara’s performance also earned him a distinct honor for delivering the best interpretation of a piece by contemporary composer Giovanni Sollima, a prize dedicated to the memory of Giulia Duse and accompanied by a monetary award of €1,000.

South Korean bassist Harine Kang, aged 21, secured third place. In addition to the recognition, Kang was presented with a bow crafted by Marco Pasquino and a hard-shell double bass flight case produced by Bogaro & Clemente, reflecting the competition’s commitment to supporting emerging artists with essential professional equipment.

All three finalists were further acknowledged with gifts including bow cases from Bogaro & Clemente and string sets from Pirastro and D’Addario, brands well-known in the string instrument community for their quality and reliability.

The judging panel was chaired by Valerio Vicari and included artistic director Enrico Fagone, alongside esteemed members Maren Reck, Young Soo Lee, Alberto Bocini, and DaXun Zhang. Their collective expertise ensured a rigorous evaluation process that highlighted the competitors’ mastery over both technical precision and expressive depth.

The competition continues to honor Giovanni Bottesini’s legacy, a figure celebrated for his virtuosic contributions to the double bass repertoire. By focusing on his works and those by other contemporary composers, the event fosters a blend of tradition and innovation, encouraging young musicians to explore and expand the instrument’s capabilities.

Although details about the broader event program and audience reception remain limited, the competition’s sustained prominence in the international classical music scene underscores its importance as a platform for emerging double bassists. It also reflects a growing global interest in Bottesini’s oeuvre, which remains central to the double bass repertoire.

This edition of the International Bottesini Competition further solidified Crema’s position as a cultural hub for string instrument performance and education. The collaboration with the Bottesini Orchestra and support from prominent luthiers and accessory makers highlight the event’s integration of artistry and craftsmanship.

Looking ahead, the competition is poised to continue nurturing the next generation of double bass virtuosos, offering them opportunities to gain recognition, enhance their careers, and contribute to the instrument’s evolving tradition.