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WATCH: Maltese Teenager Wins Top Award At Prestigious International Piano Festival In Russia

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A 17-year-old Maltese pianist from Mellieħa has just bagged a prestigious award at a top level event in Moscow. John Cutajar obtained first place in the GrandPrix of the ‘Piano Solo’ category in the Open Europe International Festival – Contest of Arts in Russia. 

He competed against pianists between the ages of 14 and 20.

Speaking to Lovin Malta from Turkey on his way back home, John was still feeling thrilled at his win over some of the best young pianists in the world. 

“I’m feeling very happy of course, it’s a great feeling knowing all the hard work I put into this has paid off,” he said. 

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John won the judges over with his renditions of two classic pieces. 

“I played ‘Pathetique Sonata’ by Beethoven and ‘Diabolical Suggestion’ by Sergei Prokofiev,” he said.

With this win under his belt, John now sets his focus directly onto another goal.

“I want to continue studying piano professionally,” he said, “and I wish to go abroad to study in the future. It is a long term decision, which is not easy to make, and it will require a lot of searching and money… but I’ve heard Russia is one of the best places to study!”

“I also want to thank my teacher Sr Beniamina Portelli for all her hard work. I wouldn’t be where I am without her,” he said. “And I want to thank Evelina Batey, Director of the Valletta International Piano Festival in Malta, for giving me the opportunity as well.”

Tag someone who is really good at the piano

READ NEXT: WATCH: Maltese Director’s Beautiful Video Gets Featured On Major International Profile

Johnathan is an award-winning Maltese journalist interested in social justice, politics, minority issues, music and food. Follow him at @supreofficialmt on Instagram, and send him news, food and music stories at [email protected]

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