Announcing the 2026 Drake Fellows
ELIANA ESTRADA
violin
IAN KITCHEN
cello
YUE QIAN
violin
Beginning in 2026, the American Bach Soloists Academy shifts its focus to deeper mentorship of emerging professionals. Participants for the 2026 Academy were selected by nomination and invitation only. Going forward, there will be no formal application or audition process as in past years. Those selected as American Bach Academy Drake Fellows will receive mentorship from American Bach’s exceptional roster of artists and will participate in American Bach's "San Francisco Bach Festival" as solo, chamber, and ensemble musicians.
Nominations for 2027 may be sent after November 1st.
ELIANA ESTRADA
violin
IAN KITCHEN
cello
YUE QIAN
violin
The American Bach Soloists ACADEMY was founded in 2010 with the purpose of providing mentorship and artistic support to those musicians who are seeking to bridge the gap between advanced conservatory, university, or personal studies and an emerging career, either as soloists, chamber musicians, or with professional early music institutions.
Since the ACADEMY's inaugural year, more than 500 participants have been admitted from around the world, representing Australia, Bolivia, Bulgaria, Canada, China, Costa Rica, England, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Republic of Singapore, Russia, South Korea, Spain, Switzerland, Taiwan, Turkey, the United States, and Venezuela.
Drawing on their distinguished roster of performers — named “the best American specialists in early music” by The Washington Post — the American Bach Soloists ACADEMY offers advanced conservatory-level students and young professionals unique opportunities to study and perform baroque music in a multi-disciplinary learning environment.
182 Howard Street, #536
San Francisco, CA 94105
Email: academy@americanbach.org
Phone: +1 (415) 621 7900
Fax: +1 (415) 621 7920