„Music instruction, especially piano training, is very useful in developing precious mental skills such as judgment, concentration, flexible and clear thinking, resourcefulness, foresight, self-criticism…”, prominent Bulgarian piano pedagogue Academician Andrey Stoyanov wrote in mid-20 c. A music theoretician, pianist and composer he was one of the founders of the Bulgarian piano school. „His legacy has inspired me to launch the competition for amateur pianists”, explains Daniela Dikova, Artistic Director of Vivapiano Competition held in Sofia.

The agitation of students and teachers was not for nothing - the jury was lined up with renowned pedagogues and performers from different countries. Some of them share their impressions from the race.

Vasiliy Ilisavsky, born in St. Petersburg, with a range of concert appearances across the world, is known in Bulgaria as performer specializing in ancient keyboard instruments and as lecturer at Pancho Vladigerov National Academy of Music in Sofia. For a third year in a row Vasiliy is member of the Vivapiano jury.

 „The competition is expanding. This was my first impression as jury member. I did not expect it to show such prominent quality and dedication. I must say I am a bit scared because of the risk of failing to use this enormous energy. I hope that Daniela Dikova with her ideas and hard work will be able to handle this.”

Birsen Ulucan was born in Shumen, Northeastern Bulgaria, and has graduated the High School of Music in Varna in the class of Katya Tsvetkova. She continued her studies in Istanbul and London and in the recent years has been living in Turkey.

„I think that the atmosphere of the competition should be a bit more relaxed. Some of the teachers sport exaggerated ambitions. Well, prizes are important but in events like this one, the joy of music should be a top priority. It is for amateur performers who contribute to elevating the spiritual aspect of society. I am delighted by the work of organizers and especially of Daniela Dikova. And the candidates were quite good. We were listening as if it was a concert, but agitation is greater. Work with amateurs is a mission and some excellent teachers are committed to it in Bulgaria.”

Emanuil Ivanov is the holder of the 2016 Grand Prix awarded to a performer among the four age groups with oldest participants.

Veneziela Naydenova has graduated the Pancho Vladigerov National Academy of Music and has been living and working in Switzerland for more than two decades. There she teaches music, organizes music events, writes music reviews, composes music and gives concerts.

„I was member of the jury for the younger groups. I saw many talented students who had worked very seriously and ambitiously with their teachers. I would recommend a more subtle selection of works so that pianists could show different facets of their talent. I would also advise a wider use of contemporary music. There are excellent pieces created in recent years which boost the imagination. Yes, it is vital that the work is learned to perfection, but I personally prefer to see children who work with freedom and artistic presence.”

Artistic Director Daniela Dikova recaps the 2016 Vivapiano competition:

„In the first place, we have had more participants than in previous years. There is very good communication between the jury and the piano pedagogues. We have started a serious dialogue of how to succeed better in this type of teaching music in Bulgaria. The team of Ardenza Foundation that organizes the event works with perfect coordination. I should say that the 5th edition has marked a peak compared to previous editions.”

Interestingly, the oldest age group for pianists aged 25+ featured two well-known Bulgarian actors. Itsko Fintsi received the prize for arrangement, and Rashko Mladenov won the first prize in this age group.

English Daniela Konstantinova

Audio file: VIVAPIANO

1. Ratchenitsa Dance by Petko Staynov-Victor Chuchkov in the rendition of Zlatomir Trifonov (6th age group), holder of the Union of Bulgarian Composers Prize and the Audience Prize

2. Transcendental Etude No. 10 by Franz Liszt performed by Emanuil Ivanov, holder of the 2016 Grand Prix.

3. Ratchenitsa by Petko Staynov-Bozidar Abrashev Jr. performed by Rashko Mladenvo, First Pirze winner in the age group 25+