Ruth Monte Memorial Bach Competition

The Ruth Monte Memorial Bach Competition is for high-school-age pianists who currently reside in North America. Held every three years, the competition is built around Book I of J. S. Bach’s Well-Tempered Clavier. The inaugural competition took place in June 2023 at Notre Dame University (South Bend, Indiana), and the second competition was held at Northwestern University (Evanston, Illinois) in June 2026.

The first-prize winner is awarded $5,000, the second-prize winner $4,000, and the third- prize winner $3,000. Semi-finalists not admitted to the final round each receive $1,000. In addition, the ABS awards a $1,000 prize for the Best Bach Performance.

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This competition is funded by the American Bach Society’s Ruth and Noel Monte Fund and honors Ruth Monte, a longtime member of the Society.