VC WEB BLOG | Violinist Daniil Bulayev - "My 2015 Zhuhai International Mozart Competition Experience" [BLOG]

In a VC-exclusive blog, 2015 Zhuhai International Mozart Violin Competition Junior 1st prize winner Daniil Bulayev talks us through his experience

With the 2017 Zhuhai International Mozart Violin Competition underway this week in China, VC recently caught up with 2015 Junior 1st prize winner, Latvian violinist Daniil Bulayev - to get a better understanding of his time at the competition and the opportunities the event has presented.

DANIIL BULAYEV | MOZART | VIOLIN CONCERTO NO. 3 | LAVARD SKOU LARSEN & SALZBURG CHAMBER SOLOISTS | 2015 1ST ZHUHAI INTERNATIONAL MOZART COMPETITION FOR YOUNG MUSICIANS | GROUP A 1ST PRIZE | 11 YEARS OLD 

"It was truly a pleasure to take part in the Zhuhai Mozart Competition for Young Musicians. It was such a learning experience and a friendly environment. It was an honor for me to perform with the Salzburg Chamber Soloists Orchestra, Conductor Maestro Lavard Skou-Larsen. I was impressed with the efficient and kind care of the Competition staff and volunteers, and how it was so well organized.  I should also mention that Zhuhai is a beautiful city, the people of Zhuhai are very kind. I didn’t feel any pressure during the Competition. The perfect running of the Competition really helped me to perform well.

I was only able to hear a few of the other participants’ performances, but I knew and also heard that the level of playing was extremely high – both technically and musically.

As a result of the Zhuhai Mozart Competition I’ve had several opportunities to perform in China and Macao. Participating in the Competition gave me more confidence as a young musician. Young musicians practice every day, however, winning a competition means a lot to us because it gives us personal verification that we are heading in the right direction.

Besides, before I was never in China, I made many interesting discoveries and had many experiences. So participating in the competition was also important in that regard.

Although I feel “music” and “competing” are not a good match, music is not something that can be objectively measured. However, the need for young musicians to participate in competitions it is the reality of our life. I would like to mention that Zhuhai Mozart Competition gives to young musicians very important possibilities - to play in front of top-class and internationally renowned jury members and learn at the masterclasses at the end of the Competition, to perform with orchestra, to expand the repertoire, to meet and interact with others musicians…

Needless to say, the competition was an invaluable and a very inspiring experience for me! I’m very grateful for my win and I hope to come back. Thank you so much!

-Daniil"