Richard has become a "Bachpreisträger" at the XIV. International Johann-Sebastian-Bach Competition, Leipzig which took place from July 10th-20th.

He was awarded the 3rd prize and becomes the first British 'cellist and only the third British musician to hold the title "Bachpreisträger since the Competition began in 1950.

All rounds were performed before the distinguised jury consisting of Patrick Demenga [CH], Roel Dieltiens [BEL], Käthi Gohl Moser [CH], Ralph Kirshbaum [GB], Wieland Kuijken [BEL], Laurence Lesser (chair) [USA], Ivan Monighetti [RUS/CH], Philippe Muller [FRA], Siegfried Pank [GER], and Hidemi Suzuki [JPN].

The other 'cellists to receive prizes were Adam Mital [CH], and Olivier Marron [FRA].

Richard's competition repertoire was;
ROUND I - 12/07/04, 1800
Gabrielli, Ricercar No.7 for solo 'cello
J.S. Bach, Solo Suite I, BWV 1007
Geminiani, Sonata in C major, op.5 no.3 (with Cornelia Osterwald, harpsichord)

ROUND II - 16/07/04, 1100
Beethoven, Sonata in C major, op.102 no.1 (with Ulrike Wappler, piano)
Boccherini, Sonata in C minor, G.18 (with Anna Niebuhr, 'cello)
J.S. Bach, Sonata in D major, BWV 1028 (with Cornelia Osterwald, harpsichord)

ROUND III
18/07/04, 2000
J.S. Bach, Solo Suite V, BWV 1011 (in scordatur)

19/07/04, 1830
C.P.E. Bach, Concerto in B flat major, Wq 171 (with Neues Mendelssohn Kammerorchester Leipzig)

All rounds took place at the Kurt Masur Hall, "Johann Sebastian Bach" School of Music.

On July 20th, Richard and all other prize winners (this year, the three disciplines were singing, organ, and 'cello/baroque 'cello) performed at the prize winner's concert at the Thomaskirche. Richard performed the Moderato and Minuetto from Boccherini's Sonata in C minor (with Anna Niebuhr, continuo 'cello).

The concert was recorded by MDR and will be broadcast on MDR Figaro at 1730GMT on 17/09/04. The Bach-Archiv will also release a CD of the concert in the next few months.