EMCY prize winner Jonas Kublickas (guitar) at 'Jugend musiziert' 2010

12.07.2010

Four laureates of EMCY member competitions: the pianist Barbora Brabcová (Czech Republic, International Radio Competition for Young Musicians 'Concertino Praga'), violinist Triin Ruubel (Estonia, International Competition for Violin, Kloster Schöntal), baritone Pablo Gálvez Hernandez (Spain, Concurso Permanente de Jóvens Intérpretes) and I, guitarist Jonas Kublickas (Lithuania, National Balys Dvarionas Piano and String Competition), were invited to perform at three events in Germany. We participated in the German national competition - "Jugend musiziert" (Youth makes music), which this year took place at Lübeck, as guests - our native country's competitions winners.

Joyfully our travel to Lübeck wasn’t prevented neither by the volcano, nor the striking airline companies. Special EMCY winners' concert took place in collaboration with Kulturkreis Hasselburg on 25th May in Hasselburg mansion, a beautiful baroque era hall, which is famous for the impressive collection of historical keyboard instruments (the oldest instruments' production year is about 1590). Barbora who couldn't suppress her curiosity with pieces of Bach immediately tried all sorts of harpsichords and historical instruments of various conditions.

I was unable to resist too. I tried most of the keyboard instruments and my ears were totally pleased! I now carry the most wonderful memories: such a variety of timbres, colours and nuances :)

We were warmly welcomed by the hosts of Hasselburg mansion and I can't stop to mention their generosity: We left the mansion rewarded with indelible moments, emotions and my most favourite present - baroque music CD performed on the collection of the historical keyboard instruments of Hasselburg mansion. The special EMCY concert for our quadruplet went very very well. Guitar as one of the quietest, but especially subtle instrument opened the concert with M. Giuliani - "Grand Ouverture". The second was the pianist Barbora Brabcová, marvelouslly performed B. Martinu - "Three Czech Dances". The most difficult passages simply melted in her fingers. Skill and professionalism is just necessary to mention about her.

After a pause, during which the audience could have a look inside or outside the mansion, the scene took charismatic baritone - Spaniard Pablo Gálvez Hernandez with Miguel Fernandez accompanying him. The audience loved their performed music and after the duo's last piece A. Lara - 'Granada' (their native place) they received an impressive ovation. The concert has been ended by violinist Triin Ruubel and accompanist Stefan Veskovic. E. Chausson - 'Poeme' Op.25 performed by them fascinated with the depth of interpretation. Specific piece played by even more specific duet!

The following day we performed in the 2nd and 3rd prize winners concerts of "Jugend Musiziert". Barbora and I played at the Landeskulturzentrum Salzau, located about 70km north of Lübeck and Pablo with Miguel at the Musik und Kongresshalle at Lübeck. We had a really tight schedule. And on 27th May, after several tense, but just special days in Germany, it was time to say goodbye.

I’m saying the most sincere THANK YOU to the EMCY team who invited us, supervised us and organised concerts for us: General secretary - Claire Goddard, Volunteers - Keijo Kalmiste and Anna Blaich. Also for the organiser of EMCY member competitions - International Balys Dvarionas Competition for Young Pianists and Violinists and National Lithuanian Balys Dvarionas Piano & String Competition - Justas Dvarionas for the possibility of National Lithuanian Balys Dvarionas competition prize winners to participate in events organised by EMCY.

A report by Jonas Kublickas, classical guitar, Lithuania