Winners of the 2017 Philadelphia Classical Guitar Competition Announced!

The Philadelphia Classical Guitar Society proudly announces the winners of the 2017 Philadelphia Classical Guitar Competition featuring the Peter Segal Prize for the first place Adult Division winner. Winners received merchandise prizes generously supplied by D'Addario, Savarez, and Strings by Mail with monetary awards for first through third place winners as well.

Comprised of three judging rounds competitors were first judged via recordings submitted with applications. The semifinal and final rounds were then performed as part of the two day festival on April 8 and 9 in celebration of the Philadelphia Classical Guitar Society's 50th Anniversary Season. Judges for these rounds were Jeff Cogan, Manley Mallard, John Arnold, Dan Boring, Glen Caluda, John Demko, Keith Calmes, and GRAMMY Award winning guitarist David Russell.

Adult Division Winners:

First Place and Peter Segal Prize*

Oscar Somersalo

Graduate of Peabody Conservatory (Baltimore, MD) where he studied with Manuel Barruico and Sibelius Academy (Helsinki, Finland) graduate

Second Place:

Carlos Bedoya

Graduate of Rowan University (Glassboro, NJ) where he studied with Kathleen Mayes

Third Place:

Stephen Brew

Ph.D. candidate at Jacobs School of Music (Bloomington, IN) where he studies with Ernesto Bitetti

Adjunct professor of guitar at Stonehill College (Easton, MA)

Fourth Place:

Leonard Ranallo

Graduate of Oberlin Conservatory (Oberlin, OH) where he studied with Stephen Aron

*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.

High School Division Winners:

First Place:

Benjamin Pasternak

Home schooled

Student of Mark Johnstone

Second Place:

Darla Rublesky

Home schooled

Student of Lora Rublesky

Third Place:

Mahima Reddy

Upper St. Clair High School

Student of Scott Elliott

Fourth Place:

Justin McCarty

Sun Valley High School

Student of Nick Doak

Founded in 1967, The Philadelphia Classical Guitar Society (PCGS) is a community of members, both supporters and musicians of all ages and accomplishments, dedicated to the advancement of the art of the classical guitar. Through encouraging classical guitar activities throughout the Delaware Valley, PCGS presents concerts throughout the year along with informal Guitar Salons and a Classical Guitar Orchestra providing performance opportunities to members of all levels.

Photo Credit: Brian Mengini