BUFFALO, N.Y. – After two days of performances and considerable deliberation by the judges, three classical guitarists will proceed to the finals round of the fifth biennial JoAnn Falletta International Guitar Concerto Competition, produced by WNED and the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra.

Ekachai Jearakul of Thailand; Celil Refik Kaya of Turkey; and Petrit Ceku of Croatia were selected following semifinal rounds held on Wednesday and Thursday at the WNED studios. The announcement was made by BPO Music Director JoAnn Falletta, for whom the competition is named.

The three finalists will perform concerti for judges and a live audience on Saturday, June 9 at 7:30 p.m. in Kleinhans Music Hall with the BPO, directed by Falletta. New to this year’s competition, each guitarist will select a free choice piece for the audience's enjoyment. This piece is not judged, but will give the guitarists the opportunity to show off their personality and their own interpretation of the piece they will be playing.

Immediately following, audience and orchestra members will cast ballots to select the winners of the Audience Favorite Award and the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra Musicians Choice Award, respectively. Tickets are $39 - $72 and can be purchased at bpo.org or by calling (716) 885-5000. Student and senior discounts available.

The competition winner, to be announced following Friday’s performances, will receive a prize package featuring $10,000 cash (US); 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.

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 BPO Nation. and D’Youville College. BPO Nation 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; Merrill Lynch Wealth Management, 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. WNED’s broadcast of the semifinals was sponsored by BPO Nation.  

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. For more information about the 2012 Falletta Competition, contact Christye Peterson, Managing Director, at (716) 866-9915, or visit fallettacompetition.org. Tickets are available by visiting bpo.org or calling the BPO Box Office at (716) 885-5000.

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.