An Allan Hancock College piano faculty member is taking her talents to one of the world’s most prestigious stages after winning an international music competition with a fellow musician.
Hancock’s Adea Badivuku, alongside Santa Barbara-based violist and composer Deniz Caglarcan, recently earned first prize at the Golden Classical Music Awards International Competition in New York, securing a performance at Carnegie Hall on July 8.
For Badivuku, who has performed internationally and previously appeared at Carnegie Hall, the recognition still carries deep meaning.
“It felt incredibly exciting and very rewarding,” Badivuku said. “As performers, we dedicate so much time to preparation and refining every detail, so receiving first prize was a very meaningful moment. Even though I have performed at Carnegie Hall before, every opportunity to return feels special.”
Originally from Kosovo, Badivuku brings a global perspective to her work at Hancock, where she has taught applied piano, piano lab, and ensemble coaching for nearly a year. She continues to actively perform while teaching; something she says is essential to both her growth and her students’ success.
Her collaboration with Caglarcan, with whom she has been performing for several years, grew out of a shared passion for performance and a desire to return to the stage together.
“Entering the competition felt like a natural step for us,” she said. “We were excited to challenge ourselves artistically and share our work with a wider audience.”
For the competition, the duo selected Schubert’s Arpeggione Sonata, a piece known for its expressive depth and intricate musical dialogue between performers.
Beyond the accolade itself, Badivuku sees the experience as something she can bring directly into the classroom.
“Preparing for the competition and performing in an ensemble reinforces the importance of discipline, focus, and communication,” she said. “I want my students to see that performing and collaborating are essential parts of growing as an artist.”
That connection between professional achievement and student learning is something Hancock leaders say reflects the strength of the college’s faculty.
As Badivuku prepares to take the stage at Carnegie Hall this summer, she said she hopes her journey will inspire her students and the broader community.
“Performing, collaborating, and even competing are all part of the artistic journey,” she said. “With dedication and balance, those experiences can open doors to incredible opportunities.”
To learn more about Hancock’s music and other fine arts programs, visit https://www.hancockcollege.edu/pathways.
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