Johannes made history as the first American cellist to win an award at the prestigious International Johann Sebastian BachCompetition in Leipzig, Germany earning the Second Prize, the Public Prize, and the special prize for a CD production. This marks an extraordinary achievement in one of the world’s oldest and most prestigious international music competitions.

The German label Genuin Classics awarded Johannes the CD prize not only from the pool of cellists but singers and organists who were also competing in the 2024 competition. This honor has typically not been offered to cellists. (www.genuinclassics.com )

What makes Johannes’ performance stand out even further is his versatility. Though primarily a modern cellist, Johannes chose to perform on both a modern cello and a baroque piccolo cello – a five-string instrument prescribed by Bach for some works – demonstrating mastery across styles in a competition dominated by baroque specialists. The competition is unusual because it focuses on the Baroque and Classical eras, with the most “modern” piece by Beethoven. In the final round, Johannes performed the A Major Concerto by CPE Bach – JS Bach’s son – leading the Pauliner Baroque Ensemble and JS Bach’s Sixth Solo Suite on the piccolo cello.

Organized by the Bach Archiv in Leipzig, the International Bach Competition is renowned for its focus on excellence in interpreting the works of Johann Sebastian Bach and is a career-defining stage for any young artist. Johannes’ ability to blend historical performance practice with modern virtuosity sets him apart as an emerging force in the classical world.