Maria Alonso | Málaga (EFE).- The Russian pianist Sergey Belyavsky, considered by some critics as “a beast on the keyboard”, affirms that classical music should be accessible to everyone and that, therefore, it is important that in countries like Spain there is a good system of public conservatories with enough places.
“If parents decide that their child wants to make some music, it has to be accessible. Those who dedicate themselves to classical music become better people. It’s like, in general terms, they become someone more complete,” he says in an interview with EFE Belyavsky, who has just won the first edition of the Ciudad de Málaga International Piano Competition.
In this sense, this 30-year-old young man, who has performed with internationally renowned orchestras such as the Czech National Symphony Orchestra, the Orchester de la Suisse Romande or the Tchaikovsky Symphony Orchestra, highlights that there are various scientific studies that have shown that the brain of Children who are exposed to classical music from a young age begin to “function differently,” although, he says, this is not the only benefit.
“Classical music has profound value for everyone, for the community and for individuals. So, if anyone can help with music, they should,” she says.
white hair public
Belyavsky acknowledges that it is very common for many of the people who attend classical music concerts to be what they call “white-haired audiences,” something he calls “normal.”
“I don’t think there is any reason to worry, because I believe that classical music was never made to be the most popular or to be liked by everyone. It’s so that everyone can enjoy it, but we don’t have to force people to like it, so I think it’s fine,” says the pianist.
According to this young man, who has performed as a soloist in prestigious venues such as Victoria Concert Hall (Geneva), Abravanel Hall (Salt Lake City) and Carnegie Hall (New York), there is still “a lot of interest” in classical music, despite that there are people who say that it is not very popular.
“I think nowadays it depends more on how well promoted it is. But, in any case, it is more important to grow the audience over the years and keep them engaged so that they continue coming to concerts and competitions,” she indicates.
Much greater competitiveness
According to the pianist, there is much more competitiveness among pianists today than fifty years ago.
“The competitive part is not easy at all. Furthermore, the level is extremely high. There are a lot of talented people, who have access to a good education and good teachers. So, everyone tries to make their way as best they can,” explains Belyavsky.
As he details, it is very important to participate in competitions not only to get a prize, but to make contacts and have opportunities to play in more concert halls.
“People who want to act more, normally, it is because they want to have more opportunities, because unless you have very good management that takes care of you, which is not very common nowadays, you have to fight for attention and to be invited to concert halls,” he adds.
In that sense, the pianist, who has received awards in more than thirty international piano competitions, recognizes that he does not go to competitions just to win, but to have, precisely, opportunities to play again in new and better settings.
One of the best organized contests
Regarding the first edition of the City of Malaga International Piano Competition, Sergey Belyavsky emphasizes that it has been one of the best organized competitions he has attended.
“It’s fascinating, because it was also only the first edition. And I have realized that the people, the entire team, have put a lot of effort, and I would also say their hearts into the organization. That is something really rare, so I wish the contest to be a great success in the future,” he comments.
Born in Russia, Sergey Belyavsky debuted at the age of 12 and has studied with Elisso Vissaladze and Arie Vardi in Moscow, Arie Vardi in Tel Aviv, Lev Natochenny at Kalaidos University in Zurich and Marian Ribykci in Paris.
Since then, he has performed on the most prestigious stages in Russia, Europe and America, either in recital or as a soloist with orchestra. EFE
