Prolific pianist and Allan Hancock College faculty member Adea Badivuku is joining one of her longtime collaborators for a July 8 performance at Carnegie Hall in New York.
Earlier this year, Badivuku and Santa Barbara-based violinist and composer Deniz Caglarcan performed as a duo at New York’s Golden Classical Music Awards Competition, where they won first prize. That accolade secured their upcoming spot at Carnegie Hall.
“As performers, we dedicate so much time to preparation and refining every detail, so receiving first prize was a very meaningful moment,” Badivuku said in a release from Hancock, where she teaches applied piano, piano lab, and ensemble coaching.
“It felt incredibly exciting and very rewarding,” she continued. “Even though I have performed at Carnegie Hall before, every opportunity to return feels special.”
Originally from Kosovo, Badivuku strives to bring a global perspective to her work at Hancock, and continues to actively perform while teaching, something she believes is essential to both her growth and her students’ success.
“I want my students to see that performing and collaborating are essential parts of growing as an artist,” Badivuku said in the release. “Performing, collaborating, and even competing are all part of the artistic journey. With dedication and balance, those experiences can open doors to incredible opportunities.”
For more info on Badivuku’s work, visit adeabadivuku.com. Alongside her faculty work with Allan Hancock College, she also serves as music director for Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church in Santa Ynez.
To find out more about Hancock’s music programs and other fine arts offerings, visit hancockcollege.edu/pathways.
This article appears in July 2 – July 9, 2026.
