Reviews Page 24

Participating in the Charleston Global Competition was an unforgettable experience. I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to have showcased my talent alongside such gifted musicians from around the world. The competition not only pushed me to refine my skills but also inspired me to reach new heights in my musical journey. Thank you, Charleston Global Competition, for this amazing platform!

Thank you for this wonderful news. We are so proud of Lilia for winning First Prize!

The Charleston International Music Competition has been a fantastic experience for Lilia. It provided a concrete goal that motivated her to practice diligently and strive for excellence. The recognition and the beautiful certificates have truly boosted her confidence. We are also thrilled to see the press releases and appreciate the exposure this brings to young musicians.

Thank you for supporting the next generation of performers.

Thank you so much for giving me the opportunity to participate in your wonderful competition. Being able to join an event held in the United States while living in Turkey was a very special experience for me, and I am truly grateful for this chance. Winning 3rd place made me very happy and encouraged me to keep growing in my musical journey.

I would also like to thank my teacher, Demet Kıvrak, for her constant support, guidance, and inspiration throughout this process. Her encouragement helped me perform with confidence and enjoy every moment of this experience.

Thank you for creating a platform that brings young musicians from around the world together and inspires us to continue pursuing our passion. This competition will always remain a meaningful and unforgettable milestone for me.

Here is the photo of Amelie Uchôa Saldanha with the trophy. It took a little while to arrive because we live from in Brazil, but we were very happy when it finally got to her hands. 

Thank you so much!

Thank you so much for giving me the chance to take part in this wonderful and far-reaching competition. Being awarded fourth place in my category at an international event means so much to me — it’s truly an honor and a source of great happiness. This achievement has already strengthened my motivation and excitement to keep working and growing.

I would also like to express my heartfelt gratitude to my dear teacher, Demet Kıvrak. She is the one who keeps my passion for the piano alive, who guides me, supports me, and always helps me see further. With her encouragement, I feel braver and more confident in aiming higher.

I am sincerely grateful to everyone who contributed to creating this program that brings young musicians from all around the world together on one platform.

Let me get this straight, I did not expect to win anything. After recording seven takes playing Vivaldi’s Concerto in A Minor, Movement 1, I thought it was good enough and sent it in. Originally, I was going to do the entirety of Seitz’s Concerto No, 5, but then I decided people would be more impressed by Vivaldi. Looking at the other performances, which were entire concertos, and other stuff. I considered myself out of my league there, but after winning fifth place in violin in by far the most specific age division, I am amazed. This has encouraged me to practice more, and obviously I will enter one of these tournaments again when I get more money, as I do aim for 1st place. If you are going to feature my testimonial on your website, I would like to show respect for my three violin teachers, my mother, Mrs. Rebecca Aguirre, and Mr. Jared Trudel. Without them I would not be progressing as fast as I would with them.

My name is Ayşe Ada Cengiz who participated in the Charleston Music Competition, and placed 4th in the 2025 Global Music Finalists. First of all I wanted to thank the competition for giving me this wonderful opportunity to participate in this amazing event. Being able to participate in a competition in the United States is wonderful for someone living in Turkey.

I also want to thank my music teacher Demet Kıvrak who has guided me throughout my music journey. I would never be able to reach this level without her. And again, thank you so much for the opportunity to participate in this competition.

Torben Heinbockel

Being able to participate in the Charleston International Music Competition has been one of the most significant experiences I’ve had in my musical life. This experience has given me the challenge to grow and develop as an artist and as a person, and has helped remind me that music is about communication, sharing emotions, thoughts, meanings and the universal connections we all have, across every barrier.

As a result of this recognition, I am even more committed to continue striving for excellence, to perform with authenticity and purpose in everything I do, and to use music as a bridge to connect people everywhere.

I find the professionalism and support provided by the Charleston Competition to be truly motivating, and being able to be included among so many other incredibly talented young musicians from all over the world is something I’ll never forget.

I am completely grateful for the encouragement that this competition provides to emerging artists. This experience has reinforced my conviction that when we pursue our artistic endeavors with integrity and passion, we can inspire others and create real connection.

I am very honored to have been selected as a winner in the 2025 Global Music Competition, and thank you for sharing this wonderful opportunity to participate in a master class with Judge An Vedi. I will reach out to her regarding next steps.

The achievements my piano students have earned at the Charleston Music Competition, held in the United States and bringing together many talented young musicians from around the world, have been a great source of pride for us. This internationally respected competition has provided my students not only with success, but also with the opportunity to share the same platform with musicians from different cultures, express themselves, and further develop their artistic growth.

I would like to sincerely thank the competition committee and jury members for organizing such a valuable event and for offering young pianists an important stage. Their meaningful contribution to piano performance and music education has greatly increased my students’ motivation and provided them with an unforgettable artistic experience.

I extend my heartfelt thanks to the Charleston Music Competition family and everyone involved for this meaningful opportunity, and I wish for many more talented young musicians to continue being supported through the universal language of music.