How did you/ do you decide whether to do a competition, and how did you choose which competition to try? Deciding whether to enter a competition is truly a big commitment. In my personal view, what matters most is whether a competition has a reputable stance, if it supports future prize winners, and serves in a way as a trampoline to launch one’s career. One of the most important things is whether the repertoire suits a musician’s personality well. Honens is a very special competition that allows competitors to express themselves from many different angles. Moreover, the support it provides for artists is very caring and enriching. What is your biggest motivation while preparing for a competition? What are you aiming for? First of all, it is the feeling on the stage, the audience that surrounds you in the hall. I believe being honest in your playing makes a crucial role for the jurors and the audience. Being authentic, having your personal and recognisable voice is something that I am aiming to achieve while competing. How long before a competition do you begin to prepare? Do you change your practice habits and practice hours? Sometimes it varies on the schedule you have. I have experienced both short preparations and long ones. Being prepared and feeling confident while performing in the competition is definitely needed, however some freshness, in my opinion, also wouldn’t hurt. What I also tried to manage timing-wise, was to have a possibility
to perform the program before the competition in a concert atmosphere, so then, once you go on stage of a competition you can let yourself go and have a similar feeling. How do you mentally prepare? What would your advice be to younger colleagues? I would say that focusing on expressing the music and leaving aside thoughts of judgment is crucial. At the same time, I always loved to dream big, but never let the results disappoint me. After all, we gain tones of experience, that sometimes matters more than a prize. Are there any special things (food, drink, meditation, mental or breathing exercises etc.) you do before you go on stage?
I really enjoy drinking coffee before going on stage!
What is most important for you in winning a competition (i.e. money, concerts, recordings, meeting other artists etc)? I met many of my good friends during competitions and we stay close nowadays. Appreciation of your fellow colleagues playing is always benefiting for us as artists. Some of the jurors you meet, might become your mentors whose trust in you will be priceless. Exposure, that many competitions provide is another important aspect of winning a competition.
Laureates in Focus
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