BUFFALO, N.Y. – Following tonight’s final round performance with the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, Celil Refik Kaya of Turkey captured first place honors in the fifth biennial JoAnn Falletta International Guitar Concerto Competition. Eight classical guitarists, representing eight nations, competed throughout the past week in the competition, presented by WNED and the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra.

Kaya receive a prize package featuring $10,000 cash (U.S.); 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; a concert guitar by Gabriel Hernandez Jimenez, Mexico; and a crystal trophy.

Petrit Ceku of Croatia placed second, and received a $3,500 prize. Ekachai Jearakul of Thailand took third place and a $1,500 prize.

Petrit Ceku of Croatia received both the Audience Favorite Award and the Musicians Award from members of the BPO.

Buffalo-based Joanne Castellani and Michael Andriaccio, a well-known international chamber ensemble duo, are the Competition’s artistic directors. In addition to Castellani and Andriaccio, the live competitions will be judged by Eduardo Fernandez, classical guitarist active composer and researcher; Adam Holzman, guitarist, teacher, international performer and recording artist; Ricardo Iznaola, Chair of the Guitar and Harp Department and Director of the Conservatory Program at University at Denver's Lamont School of Music; Tony Morris, featured performer on “Classical Guitar Alive” radio program; Berta Rojas, classical guitar recording artist.  Full judges bios can be found on fallettacompetition.org.

The 2012 Falletta Competition is presented by BlueCross BlueShield of WNY; M&T Bank; Robert G. and Carol L. Morris; T.G. DeZastro, M.D. and D’Youville College. It is also sponsored, in part, by: Clover Management, Inc.; Fichte Endl and Elmer Eyecare; Niagara Lutheran Health System; Catholic Health System; Alesco Advisors; Magavern, Magavern and Grimm, LLP Attorneys; Edwards Appliance; Music Niagara; The Kaz Company; Eye Care and Vision Associates; Park Creek Senior Living Community; Ecology and Environment, Inc.; and Fox Run Orchard Park. Additional support is provided by the Adam’s Mark Hotel.

About the JoAnn Falletta International Guitar Concerto Competition
Founded in 2004 and organized by WNED and the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra (BPO), the competition is one of the foremost musical events in the world and the first concerto competition for classical guitarists. It is named in honor of the BPO’s music director.

About WNED Buffalo-Toronto
Through WNED-TV, ThinkBright and Well/WORLD TV, Classical 94.5/WNED-FM and WBFO 88.7 FM /WNED-AM 970, the member-supported WNED Buffalo/Toronto provides high quality programming and services to local, regional and national audiences that enlighten, inspire, entertain and educate Western New York and Southern Ontario communities. Additional information about WNED can be found at wned.org.

About the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra
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.