Stulberg International String Competition

02/07/2025

Thank you WMUK 102.1 FM for the wonderful interview with 2024 Stulberg Bronze Medalist, Pearl de la Motte! We're looking forward to a wonderful concert this Sunday, February 9 at 3:00 p.m. at Chenery Auditorium. Tickets are on sale online or at the door!

A conversation with Andrew Koehler and Pearl de la Motte

02/06/2025

This Sunday, we welcome 2024 Stulberg Bronze Medalist Pearl de la Motte back to Kalamazoo for her soloist performance alongside the Kalamazoo Junior Symphony.

Tickets are still available for this event and can be purchased online at https://kjso.org/tickets or with cash at the door.

02/04/2025

Bravissimo, Jacques! Jacques Forestier joined us this past Saturday for a virtual recital featuring this fantastic finale performance of Sarasate's Carmen Fantasy.

In addition, Jacques shared a bit of what he has been up to since the 2022 Stulberg Competition, including studying at the Curtis Institute with Shmuel Ashkenasi and Pamela Frank, performing worldwide, and being signed to Impresariat Simmenauer arts management agency.

Catch the full performance on the Stulberg YouTube channel:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cPRTCCXvNR8

🔵 2025 Saturdays with the Stulberg - Virtual Recital Series
Jacques Forestier, violin (2022 Stulberg Silver Medalist)

02/01/2025

APPLICATIONS CLOSE TODAY AT 11:59 PM (EST)! This is your last call to apply for the 50th Stulberg International String Competition and compete for the chance to win cash prizes, performances, and more!

Apply today at: https://www.stulberg.org/competition

02/01/2025

APPLICATIONS CLOSE IN 2 DAYS! Step into greatness at the 50th Annual Stulberg International String Competition and apply for the chance to win cash prizes, performances, and the opportunity to perform before a panel of esteemed judges including Lucas Richman, Li-Wei Qin, and Rachel Barton Pine.

Apply today at: https://www.stulberg.org/competition

01/31/2025

APPLICATIONS CLOSE IN 3 DAYS! Don't forget to apply to the 50th Stulberg International String Competition for the chance to win cash prizes and soloist performances with highly acclaimed orchestras.

Apply today at: https://www.stulberg.org/competition

01/28/2025

⏰ The deadline is approaching for the 2025 Stulberg International String Competition! Applications are due February 1st by 11:59 P.M. Eastern Standard Time.

Once you've submitted your application, you may wish to check out some of our other upcoming events--such as, 2024 Stulberg Bronze Medalist Pearl de la Motte's return performance in Kalamazoo with the Kalamazoo Junior Symphony Orchestra!

Learn more about the Stulberg Competition and other upcoming events at:
https://stulberg.org/event

01/23/2025

🏆 The Julius & Esther Stulberg Memorial Prize is a special new prize for the 2025 Stulberg Competition. The prize features an opportunity to premiere a new concerto commissioned by the Stulberg composed by Lucas Richman.

The prize also includes a $1,000 cash prize and 3-4 mentorship sessions with violinist and 2025 Stulberg judge, Rachel Barton Pine.

The winner of the Stulberg Memorial Prize will be determined through the following process:
--The twelve semifinalists selected for the 2025 Competition will receive the first movement of the concerto arranged for their instrument.
-Semifinalists will each perform the movement during their semifinals performance.
-Judges will determine the semifinalist to premiere the commissioned piece during the 2025-2026 season. The winner will be announced at the Awards Ceremony following the Finals performances on Saturday, May 17, 2025.

Learn more about the Stulberg Memorial Prize and applying to the Stulberg International String Competition at:
https://www.stulberg.org/competition

Reminder: Applications for the 2025 Competition close on February 1st at 11:59 PM Eastern Standard Time.

01/21/2025

2025 JUDGE SPOTLIGHT: Lucas Richman, composer

GRAMMY award-winning composer Lucas Richman shares some insights about the new piece that he has composed for the winner of the 2025 Stulberg International String Competition’s special new award: The Julius and Esther Stulberg Memorial Prize!

Lucas Richman previously collaborated with the Stulberg along with the Kalamazoo Junior Symphony and Community Healing Center to premiere his first violin concerto titled “Paths to Dignity” which was premiered by the KJSO in 2023.

In addition to Lucas’ prestigious work as a composer for both classical and film settings, he has served as the Music Director for the Bangor Symphony Orchestra since 2010 and previously held conducting positions with the Knoxville Symphony, Pittsburgh Symphony and a handful of guest conducting appearances and collaborations with film composers.

Learn more about Lucas Richman and how to apply to the 2025 Stulberg International String Competition at https://www.stulberg.org/

01/18/2025

2025 JUDGE SPOTLIGHT: Li-Wei Qin, cello

Check out this video featuring Li-Wei Qin, who will be one of the judges for the 50th Annual Stulberg International String Competition! Li-Wei is the first Chinese-Australian native to judge a Stulberg Competition and we are so excited for him to join us this May!

Li-Wei has plenty of competition experience as he was the winner of the 2001 Naumburg Competition and Silver Medalist of the 1998 Tchaikovsky Competition.

As an accomplished concert cellist, chamber musician, and recording artist, Li-Wei has performed as a soloist with many of the world’s leading orchestras including the BBC Symphony Orchestras, the LA Philharmonic, and the London Philharmonic. He also frequently performs at Wigmore Hall and the Lincoln Center Chamber Music Society.

Learn more about Li-Wei Qin and how to apply to the 2025 Stulberg International String Competition at the link in our bio!

**Li-Wei Qin’s Stulberg appearance is proudly sponsored by Zhang Financial**

01/14/2025

Josh Stulberg, son of Julius and Esther Stulberg, with his wife Midge Stulberg paid a visit to the Perlman Music Winter Residency Program held in Sarasota, Florida, where they reconnected with three recent Stulberg Medalists.

Pictured here (from left to right): Esme Arias-Kim (2023 Silver Medalist), Josh Stulberg, Midge Stulberg, Dongyoung Jake Shim (2020 Gold Medalist), and Angeline Kiang (2022 Bronze Medalist).

It's wonderful to have the Stulberg family's continued support of our talented medalists!

01/10/2025

Our supporters have been putting the 5 in 2025, by helping us reach 55% of our goal of $55,000. If you love the number 5, join us in celebrating our 50th Anniversary by making a tax-deductible donation today at: https://www.stulberg.org/donate

01/08/2025

Join the Kalamazoo Junior Symphony Orchestra
Andrew Koehler, Conductor

🎵 Winter Concert: "Friends, Violists, Countrymen"

📅 Sunday, February 9, 2025
🕒 3:00 PM
📍 Chenery Auditorium, 714 S Westnedge Ave, Kalamazoo, MI 49007

Tickets:
$15 for Adults
$10 for Seniors
$5 for Students

Tickets are available online at kjso.org/tickets, by phone at 269-349-7557, or at the door. For discounted tickets available for service members, educators, low-income households, or groups, call or email [email protected].

Program:
- Cecil Forsyth's Concerto for Viola in g minor, featuring Pearl de la Motte, Stulberg Competition 2024 Bronze Medalist
- Ralph Vaughan Williams' A London Symphony (Symphony No. 2)

About Pearl de la Motte:
At 20 years old, Pearl is the second of eleven children in a musical family and is currently pursuing her undergraduate studies at the Juilliard School with Hsin-Yun Huang. A recipient of the prestigious Kovner Fellowship, she began playing the violin at age two and transitioned to viola at ten, captivated by its deep and expressive voice.

Pearl’s accolades include first place in the 2021 American Viola Society National Competition, Senior Division, and performances with From the Top and the La Jolla Symphony. She is passionate about honoring God through her music and inspiring audiences with her artistry.

Don’t miss this unforgettable afternoon of music with the KJSO!

12/20/2024

💡 Did you know that some of the top string musicians worldwide are former Stulberg medalists? You can claim your place among these musicians by applying to the 2025 Stulberg International String Competition.

🎖 At this year’s competition, one additional medalist will be awarded the opportunity to premiere a commissioned concerto by GRAMMY award-winning composer Lucas Richman and receive mentorship from world-famous violinist Rachel Barton Pine.

Apply Today: https://bit.ly/3ZE1dB4

12/17/2024

This holiday season, celebrate the spirit of giving! With a donation to the Stulberg International String Competition, you can help us support young string musicians as we provide them with the tools they need to jumpstart their careers as performing artists. Give today: bit.ly/49xZPEu

12/13/2024

There are just over 5 months until the 50th Annual Stulberg International String Competition, and applications are still open until February 1st! If you or your student want to take part in one of the longest standing string competitions for young string musicians, we have a helpful informational packet to guide you through preparing and submitting your application.

Learn more about the 2025 Stulberg Competition, including eligibility, repertoire, and prizes:https://www.stulberg.org/wp-content/uploads/StulbergTeachersBrochure24.pdf

12/10/2024

Reminiscing on November's concert featuring Rachel Barton Pine? Check out these scenes from her spectacular performance and the wonderful reception that followed.