Two weeks ago, a talented 14-year-old pianist from Delmar achieved national recognition.

David Fu, a promising ninth grader attending Albany Academy and also enrolled in the renowned Julliard Pre-College program, emerged as the winner of the inaugural Ruth Monte Memorial Bach Piano Competition on June 10.

The competition, organized by the American Bach Society, showcased the skills of six high-school-age pianists from various parts of the United States. The event took place at Notre Dame University in South Bend, Indiana. Fu impressed the three judges with his performance of pieces from Bach's Well-Tempered Clavier, earning him the coveted first-place position and a cash prize of $4,000.

This victory adds to Fu's growing list of accomplishments. Just last month, he secured the gold medal in the 14- to 15-year-old category of the Vienna International Music Competition, where he participated remotely. Prior to that, Fu triumphed in the Young Classical Virtuosos of Tomorrow competition held in Philadelphia and had the opportunity to showcase his talent at smaller venues within Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center.

Bill Jones, a former resident of Delmar, served as Fu's piano instructor from the age of four to ten. Jones fondly remembers Fu's ability to memorize complex musical pieces within a week, describing him as an "exceptional child."

Currently, Fu is under the tutelage of Dr. Julian Martin at Juilliard pre-college. This week, he embarks on a three-week summer program at the Bowdoin International Music Festival in Maine, where he will focus on studying chamber music.