Leland Ko ’24 AD & Jonathan Swensen ’23 AD Take First Prize at 2024 Naumburg International Cello Competition

The prestigious 2024 Naumburg International Cello Competition, held at the Manhattan School of Music, concluded with remarkable success for several alumni. Leland Ko ’24 AD and Jonathan Swensen ’23 AD, both recent graduates of NEC’s Artist Diploma program, were awarded joint first prizes, highlighting their exceptional talent and musical artistry. The Naumburg International Cello Competition, established in 1926, is one of the most historically significant contests in the classical music world. Founded by Walter W. Naumburg with the mission of discovering and supporting young artists, the competition has become a launchpad for exceptional musicians, providing winners with invaluable opportunities to perform on some of the world’s most renowned stages.

Leland and Jonathan have each garnered a reputation for their technical prowess and expressive playing, with this Naumburg win marking a significant milestone in their careers. The decision to award two first prizes underscores the extraordinary level of performance both cellists delivered throughout the competition.

In addition to these achievements, one fellow alumni and two NEC Prep alumni made it to the finals: Alex Hersh ’15, ’17 MM, James Kim ’11 Prep, and Aaron Wolff ’12 Prep. Their collective presence at the competition demonstrates NEC’s ongoing impact on the world of classical music, nurturing some of today’s finest cellists.

Congratulations to the shared success of these alumni!