Stuttgart International Violin Competition 1st Prize Winner, Anna Im, on Staying Focused

The Stuttgart International Violin Competition, organized by the Guadagnini Foundation and the Stuttgart University of Music and Performing Arts, awarded Anna Im first prize in the 2024 edition.

She received €30,000, and concert engagements with the Stuttgart Philharmonic Orchestra, the Philharmonie Südwestfalen, the Robert-Schumann-Philharmonie Chemnitz, the Mecklenburgische Staatskapelle Schwerin, the Erfurt Philharmonic Orchestra as well as further recitals.

Anna was also granted a loan of a violin made by Giovanni Battista Guadagnini in 1746.

We talked with Anna Im to get an inside look on her experience and expert advice.

What attracted you to enter the Stuttgart Competition? How does it feel to be a 1st prize winner?

The opportunity for concert engagements over three years was a major draw for me. While many competitions exist, few provide tangible opportunities for young artists post-competition. Choosing the right competition is crucial, but achieving good results in such high-caliber events is incredibly challenging. Winning this competition feels like a dream come true, offering precisely the opportunities I've envisioned and allowing me to take the next step in my career.

What will be your best long-lasting memory from your time at the competition?

One of the most cherished memories is collaborating with exceptional musicians like pianist Boris and the Lotus Quartet. Making music with them was both fun and inspiring. After the final round, members of the Stuttgart Philharmonic came backstage with warm and enthusiastic support, making the experience even more memorable. I'm genuinely excited about the prospect of returning to perform with the Stuttgart Philharmonic in the near future.

What are the most important lessons you learned from your preparation for this event?

Taking good care of oneself is essential, especially when physically exhausted. As the competition progresses, the intervals between rounds shorten, and the program's demands increase. It's vital to avoid overexertion and stay positive. While it's tempting to practice more, it's better to moderate practice time and rest adequately as the performance day approaches, ensuring you can deliver your best on stage.

You have won multiple competitions in these past few years. How do you stay so disciplined?

Even I am surprised by the amount of work and challenges I've embraced worldwide in the past few years. Immersing myself in music and meeting diverse musicians has made me more humble and eager to learn. The journey of a musician is a lifelong commitment to endless learning. Whether competing or not, music demands dedication and hard work to continually improve as a musician and violinist.

What tips and advice do you have for keeping one’s focus on the music even under stressful situations like a live competition?

It's easy to view rounds as just another part of the competition, but it's crucial to see them as opportunities to express your music and believe in yourself, even under high pressure. Doubts are natural; dedicated musicians rarely feel entirely ready. We need to do our best and let go of unnecessary worries. Letting go and not adding extra pressure on yourself is really helpful.

What important piece of advice have you learned from your mentors that you’d like to pass on?

A quote from Heifetz that I've kept as my screensaver says, "Practice like it means everything in the world to you. Perform like you don’t give a damn." It encapsulates the essence of being a performer. Additionally, cellist Yo-Yo Ma once said, "Musicians spend years learning technique, but the point of art is to transcend technique to seek out the truths in our world, giving meaning and sustenance to individuals and communities—that's art for life's sake." These insights remind us of the profound nature of our craft.

Away from your instrument, what do you like to do to keep your sanity?

I love Kimchi stew, a dish I totally missed while competing. There were no Korean restaurants nearby, and I had to focus entirely on my music. More than anything, food is so important to me. Kimchi stew is especially comforting when I'm stressed. If I could have Kimchi stew with me wherever I go, it would be like carrying a piece of home and sanity in a bowl.

Any exciting projects you have coming up?

The concert engagements scheduled through the competition over the next few years are incredibly exciting. Regularly performing as a soloist with orchestras marks a new chapter in my professional life, one I've dreamed of for years. I've recently released my second album and am already discussing another recording. I am deeply grateful for these opportunities and look forward to sharing my music with audiences worldwide.

Where do you want to be in five years?

In five years, I aspire to be a better musician, performer, and violinist. I want to see where this journey will take me. I have big dreams, but as musicians, our focus should always be on the music itself. I believe that if we dedicate ourselves to the music, good things will follow.