Final of the Eurovision Contest for Young Musicians

Yesterday (11.05) we joyfully watched the final of the Eurovision Contest for Young Musicians, which took place on a special stage under the Town Hall in the Austrian capital. The live concert was attended by around 40,000 people, including fans of our wonderful flutist Jagoda Krzemińska, who came from Poland to support the Polish finalist. Besides Jagoda, the finalists included: Dominic Chamot from Germany (piano), Alexandra Denisenya from Belarus (cymbals), Eivind Holtsmark Ringstad from Norway (viola), Narek Kazazyan from Armenia (an interesting traditional instrument called kanun), Michaela Spackova from the Czech Republic (bassoon), and Emmanuel Tjeknavorian from Austria (violin). Among the '7 Wonders' jury, which included Polish member Ms. Agnieszka Duczmal, three laureates were selected. First place for the performance of the 2nd and 3rd movements of the Viola Concerto by Béla Bartók was awarded to Norwegian Eivind Holtsmark Ringstad, second place went to Austrian representative Emmanuel Tjeknavorian playing the 3rd movement of the Violin Concerto in D minor by Jean Sibelius, and 3rd place was achieved by the youngest finalist, Armenian Narek Kazazyan for the Concerto for Kanun and Orchestra No. 2 in E major by his compatriot Khachatur Avetisyan.

Highlights from the final concert performed by Narek Kazazyan and Emmanuel Tjeknavorian.

The young artists were accompanied by the Vienna Radio Orchestra under the baton of Cornelius Meister. The event was enhanced by performances from the Vienna brass ensemble. Interesting and amusing arrangements entertained the audience. The concert was hosted by 2000 finalist, percussionist Martin Grubinger, who also showcased his skills presenting interesting rhythms from around the world along with other musicians.

Our Opinion

We agree with the jury's verdict. We were very impressed by the mature performances of Bartók's Concerto and Sibelius's Concerto, as well as the emotional and sensitive interpretation of Avetisyan's Concerto. We are proud of our representative Jagoda, who played Chaminade's Concertino beautifully and with great emotion. All the finalists not only presented a high level of performance but also poured a lot of heart into their playing, which was evident in the audience's reaction. It is beautiful that these young people can utilize their talent so wonderfully, have passion, and share it with others.