Václav Hudeček: The most important is that Concertino is still alive
The name of the Czech virtuoso Václav Hudeček is inseparably connected with Concertino Praga.
He won the second prize in the category of Violin in the first edition of the competition in 1966 and he sailed through the second edition of Concertino Praga towards the first prize in his category. He is also a long-time member of the Standing Committee Concertino Praga.
He continuously takes care of the young generation of talented musicians as well. Not only does he educate them, but he also has been inviting young talents to perform on stage during his concerts and he interconnects them with renowned artists.
What does Concertino Praga mean to you and how was your first encounter with the competition? Has the competition changed during the years?
I discovered this noteworthy competition at its very beginning. It did not even bear the name Concertino Praga at that time. I participated as a competitor in first two editions. The competition changed a lot over time, hundreds of contestants took part in the competition. For many of today’s renowned artists the competition was one of the first steps in their career. The most important is that Concertino is still alive.
What do you think about music competitions in general and about the evaluation of artist´s performances? What are the biggest benefits of music competitions?
Being absolutely fair at the competition without timer or bar is always problematic. In case of Concertino, where the recordings are judged in a strictly anonymous fashion, the direct contact with the competitor, and so the complex picture, is lacking. Nowadays, emerging talents (and by that I mean real artists) have only one chance to come into the limelight – winning a prize in an international competition.
Which laureate of Concertino Praga 2016 enthralled you the most? Did you have a chance to listen to the laureates live during their concerts in Prague and South Bohemia?
Unfortunately, I could not get to the concerts. Pavla Tesařová, who I have known and kept an eye on her for years, is the only laureate I have heard live. I am very delighted that the quality of the candidates has been so high for the whole fifty years. This year´s edition was not an exception.
What would you tell the laureates, do you have a piece of good advice for young musicians in the beginning of their professional career?
Have strong nerves and practice, practice, practice!
