Celebrating GFA Guitar Competition Winners (2019–2024): A Siccas Guitars Showcase
At Siccas Guitars, we are thrilled to present an extraordinary video showcasing five outstanding performances by the winners of the prestigious Guitar Foundation of America (GFA) International Concert Artist Competition (ICAC). These performances, spanning from 2019 to 2024, highlight the exceptional talent and dedication of classical guitarists from around the world.
The GFA ICAC is one of the most important guitar competitions globally, attracting the finest musicians and serving as a launching pad for many successful careers. In this video, we present the final performances of five brilliant guitarists, each of whom has claimed the top prize at this revered competition. Below, we dive deeper into the lives and achievements of these outstanding artists, providing a closer look at their musical journeys.
Johan Smith (Switzerland) – GFA Winner 2019
Performance: Toccata in E-minor, BWV 914 by J. S. Bach
Swiss guitarist Johan Smith claimed the Rose Augustine Grand Prize at the 2019 GFA International Concert Artist Competition, marking him as one of the most promising classical guitarists of his generation. Known for his technical mastery and deep musical expression, Smith’s performance of Bach’s Toccata in E-minor showcases his brilliance in interpreting baroque music on the guitar.
Johan Smith is not only a celebrated performer but also a dedicated teacher. He studied at the University of Music in Lausanne under the guidance of Dusan Bogdanovic and Judicaël Perroy. His ability to captivate audiences with both historical and modern repertoire has earned him numerous accolades across Europe and the United States.
In addition to his GFA victory, Smith has performed extensively in prestigious venues and festivals worldwide, and his recordings have been praised for their clarity and emotional depth. His success at the GFA has further solidified his place among the leading classical guitarists today.
Bokyung Byun (South Korea) – GFA Winner 2021
Performance: Sonata No. 24 by Carlos Seixas
Bokyung Byun is a South Korean classical guitarist who won the 2021 GFA ICAC, becoming one of the few women to claim the top prize in the competition’s history. Byun’s performance of Carlos Seixas’ Sonata No. 24 in this video highlights her superb technical ability and sensitive musical phrasing.
Byun began playing the guitar at a young age and quickly demonstrated her prodigious talent, eventually studying at the Juilliard School and the University of Southern California. She has since performed as a soloist with major orchestras worldwide and is recognized for her dynamic interpretations of both classical and contemporary works.
In addition to her GFA success, Byun has garnered numerous awards in international competitions and is highly regarded as a performer and educator. Her passion for expanding the classical guitar repertoire has made her a prominent figure in the world of classical music.
Lovro Peretić (Croatia) – GFA Winner 2022
Performance: Mazurka Apasionada by Agustín Barrios Mangoré
Croatian guitarist Lovro Peretić won the 2022 GFA ICAC, cementing his status as a rising star in the classical guitar world. His interpretation of Agustín Barrios Mangoré’s Mazurka Apasionada is a testament to his artistic sensitivity and technical precision.
Born in Zagreb, Croatia, Peretić has been recognized for his deep understanding of classical guitar repertoire, particularly in works by Latin American composers. His ability to bring out the rich emotional nuances of Barrios’ compositions has earned him acclaim both in Europe and internationally.
Peretić’s success at the GFA competition is just one highlight in a career that continues to flourish. He has performed in renowned venues, won several international awards, and collaborated with leading musicians. His victory at the GFA has opened new opportunities for him to share his artistry with wider audiences.
Marko Topchii (Ukraine) – GFA Winner 2023
Performance: “Ich ruf’ zu dir, Herr Jesu Christ”, BWV 639 by J. S. Bach (arr. M. Topchii)
Ukrainian guitarist Marko Topchii is known for his extraordinary technical skill and emotive playing. Winning the 2023 GFA ICAC, Topchii’s arrangement and performance of Bach’s “Ich ruf’ zu dir, Herr Jesu Christ”, BWV 639 reflects his unique approach to both interpretation and adaptation for the guitar.
Topchii has a long history of winning prestigious competitions, having claimed more than 100 awards in international guitar competitions. His career has taken him to major concert stages around the globe, and he is known for his broad repertoire that spans centuries of classical music.
His innovative approach to arranging pieces for guitar, as demonstrated in this performance, has set him apart as a forward-thinking artist who pushes the boundaries of the classical guitar tradition.
Leonela Alejandro (Puerto Rico) – GFA Winner 2024
Performance: Capricho de Goya by Mario Castelnuovo-Tedesco
The 2024 GFA ICAC winner, Leonela Alejandro, is a Puerto Rican guitarist whose expressive and powerful performances have captivated audiences worldwide. Her rendition of Mario Castelnuovo-Tedesco’s Capricho de Goya showcases her technical prowess and deep understanding of the piece’s dramatic and emotional content.
Alejandro has gained recognition not only for her exceptional musical abilities but also for her contributions to promoting Latin American classical guitar music. She has performed at major international festivals and is known for her interpretations of works by Latin American composers.
Alejandro’s win at the GFA marks a significant milestone in her career, and she continues to be an ambassador for classical guitar in Puerto Rico and beyond. Her artistry brings fresh perspectives to classical guitar performance, and she is poised to become one of the leading guitarists of her generation.
Conclusion
These five outstanding guitarists—Johan Smith, Bokyung Byun, Lovro Peretić, Marko Topchii, and Leonela Alejandro—have each left a profound mark on the classical guitar world through their GFA victories and beyond. Their performances, which span a wide range of styles and eras, highlight not only their individual talents but also the incredible possibilities of the classical guitar as an instrument. We are honored to present their performances on our Siccas Guitars YouTube channel and hope that their artistry continues to inspire and captivate audiences for years to come.
For the full performances of each artist, be sure to visit the GFA’s YouTube channel, and stay tuned to Siccas Guitars for more incredible performances from the world’s top classical guitarists.
