The American Bach Soloists and Henry I. Goldberg
Young Artists Competition

In 1998, in conjunction with the Fifth Biennial Berkeley Festival & Exhibition, the American Bach Soloists established the International Young Artists Competition as a way to foster emerging musicians who wish to pursue a career in early music. In 2006, the competition was named the American Bach Soloists & Henry I. Goldberg International Young Artists Competition, in memory of Dr. Henry I. Goldberg, who served as Board President for the ensemble from 2002 until September 2005. In addition, the First Prize is named in honor of the inestimable legacy of Laurette Goldberg, a leading force in the Bay Area's early music community for many years.

To ensure the broadest scope in this endeavor, from year to year the competitions have focused on different instruments, attracting musicians from around the globe. The first competition, in 1998, was for harpsichord. Violin took the spotlight in 2000, followed by flute and oboe in 2002. The competition was postponed in 2004. The 2006 competition was for vocalists, and the 2008 competition was for violinists.

The Competition has been integrated into the American Bach Soloists ACADEMY, an advanced training program for young professionals and accomplished students of Historically Informed Performance Practice. The Henry I. Goldberg Young Artist Award of $3,000 is given to one student at the conclusion of each year's Academy, along with an invitation to perform with the American Bach Soloists during their subsequent Northern California concert season.

Previous Winners