In 2022, the Tureck Bach Research Institute, founded by the late pianist, harpsichordist and Bach scholar Rosalyn Tureck (1913-2003), merged with Interlochen Center for the Arts and gifted its assets to the school.
Its impact? Enhanced scholarship and resources for Interlochen Arts Academy's piano students in performing of Bach's compositions.
This Wednesday, the fourth annual Dr. Rosalyn Tureck Memorial Concert at Interlochen Arts Academy commemorates the legacy of Dr. Tureck, celebrates Bach performances by current piano students. Three senior piano students at the Academy, Mia Safdie, Hailey Culp and Yunpeng Yang, came to Studio A to preview the concert and talk to host Christy L'Esperance about their performances of Bach's preludes and fugues.
The students reflected on their interpretation and relationship to Bach's music.
"While some people might only see [Bach] as an intellectual, I personally think his music is quite emotional and expressive," said Safdie.
Pianist Hailey Culp is this year's Dr. Rosalyn Tureck/Bach Scholarship recipient. For her, Bach was a composer that has impacted how she approaches music of later periods, like that of Beethoven.
"I've learned to really appreciate how [Bach's] music can contribute to my own pianism," said Culp.
Hear the Studio A interview and performance by clicking "Listen" above.
Safdie, Culp and Yang will appear perform at the Dr. Rosalyn Tureck Memorial Concert this Wednesday, November 19, 2025 at 7:30 p.m. at Interlochen Arts Academy's Dendrinos Chapel.
Music in this episode:
J.S. Bach: Prelude and Fugue in F-sharp Minor, BWV 883, from The Well-Tempered Clavier, Book II, performed by Mia Safdie, piano, Venice, Calif.
J.S. Bach: Prelude and Fugue in B-flat Major, BWV 866, from The Well-Tempered Clavier, Book I, performed by Yunpeng Yang, piano, Wuhan, China
J.S. Bach: Prelude and Fugue in D Minor, BWV 875, from The Well-Tempered Clavier, Book II, performed by Hailey Culp, piano, Cumming, Ga.
Michael Culler engineered this edition of Studio A. Christy L'Esperance was the host. Additional support came from Christopher Goodpasture and Kara Huber.
