The young 2024 laureate, Sora Lavorgna, provided the audience in Ústí with a unique experience. Last night, she performed with the Pardubice Philharmonic Orchestra at Roškot Theatre. It was her first experience of this kind, and she had only a few days to get used to working with the musicians. She left the stage to a standing ovation from the audience.
You are playing in Usti nad Orlici after a year again. How do you remember last year’s victory?
I remember the moment of last year like yesterday. One year passed so fast. When I was called as 1st prize, I was so happy because I could play once again in gala concert.
I always take two dresses to the competition because I hope to win and to play one more time in gala concert with different dress. So last year, I was so happy to wear another dress that I like.
What did it bring into your life?
I had a lot of compliments from teachers, conservatory and friends, and it encouraged me to go ahead.
How did you manage to synchronize with the Pardubice Philharmonic? Did you rehearse together in advance?
Yes, today I had a first rehearsal with them. The members of the Pardubice Philharmonic and maestro were so kind, and I really enjoyed the rehearsal.
It was not a long rehearsal but I got tired after the rehearsal because I was so concentrated to play. It is my first experience to play whole concerto so I have to keep my energy until the end.
Have you had a similar experience of playing with a large orchestra before?
Just two weeks before coming here in Czech, I was in Lithuania, and I played this Mendelssohn concerto with orchestra. But it was only the first movement.
I like playing with orchestra and it is always a special moment for me.
Your sister also plays the violin, do you sometimes practice together?
Yes or no….there is lots of beautiful music for two violins and we want to play together. But once we start, we always quarrel, who plays the 1st violin, or who made the mistake….etc.
But we will have a concert together in Germany in July, so we practice together.
Do you also take part in competitions in France? How would you compare those competitions to the Kocian Violin Competition?
When I was little, I took part in competitions in France, but now I take part in other countries because there are not so many competitions in France for the young students.
But Kocian competition was my first time that I ‘enjoyed’ participating, it was like a festival, not like competition. I participated to the orchestra, and I could make friends during the ceremony at the city hall, I could listen almost all the other older competitor’s playing(because usually young category is set at the end of the competition and when we arrive, almost all the competition is finished.)
Also I received the presents from Barenreiter, it was the biggest presents that I have received ever. I chose the scores that I wanted(dreamed) to play and they sent me the big box of scores.
That’s why this Kocian competition is special for me and I really like it.