The Ronald Sachs International Competition started as a result of a juggle of ideas and inspired conversation between Cameron Arts Museum Executive Director Ann Brennan, museum’s programing director Daphne Holmes, and UNC-Wilmington’s violin instructor, Dr. Danijela Zezlj-Gualdi. This group explored the possibilities of using the museum’s newly donated grand piano, wonderful space, and the desire to create a growing opportunity for young talented musicians. A music competition seemed to be a natural choice. The competition’s artistic director, Dr. Zezlj-Gualdi believes that music competitions stimulate passionate musicianship. For many young people, they’re a first glimpse of performing in public, playing in ensembles, or breaking out of orthodox repertoire.
This competition was created to provide young musicians with an opportunity to exhibit their talent and reward their hard work. This launch of what was planned to be an annual event was to provide a wonderful learning experience for students in the Wilmington community, the state of North Carolina, as well as the entire South Eastern Region.
The first-year’s competition success at the museum proved the need for this kind of competition in the Wilmington area. The competition had to be moved to a more practical facility due to its significant growth. In collaboration with UNCW Music Department and our naming sponsor and visionary Ronald Sachs Violins, we could offer the most amazing facilities to the competitors – Beckwith Recital Hall at UNCW’s Cultural Arts Building. With convenient practice rooms, a green room for the guest adjudicators, and its central location in Wilmington convenient to restaurants, hotels, and famous Wrightsville beach, this would be a location worth traveling to.
Ronald Sachs International Music Competition will be advancing the careers of participants and competition winners as well as promoting their talents. The program seeks to encourage more young musicians to perform and mature in their musical expertise. We believe the program offers many benefits to participants and helps to build their confidence and realize their dreams.
Participants, being introduced to new audiences on stage in Wilmington NC, can expect to have a memorable experience aided by several factors including highly qualified and acclaimed judges with strong musical backgrounds, friendly staff, a wonderful recital stage and, foremost, elite participants.
The Ronald Sachs International Music Competition is a Georgia non-profit corporation which operates under IRS Code 501 (c) (3).