Dear teachers, dear parents, dear contestants,
Please allow me to summarize this year’s competition.
The artistic level was exceptionally high, which is precisely why the jury’s decisions were so difficult. Music, after all, is not athletics — it cannot be measured with a stopwatch or calculated with precision. Each juror sees snd hears a performance through their own experience, sensitivity, and perspective, and so every evaluation will always be, to some degree, subjective.
For us on the jury, ranking children’s performances by numbers and placing them in order brings no joy. But we try to make our decisions as conscientiously as possible and with the highest respect for every contestant.
A particular situation arose this year in the second category, where we awarded two first prizes. The level of both young violinists was so extraordinary and so closely matched that we felt it right to honour their performances in this way, setting them slightly apart from the other contestants.
We are well aware that not everyone will agree with the results. But that is part of any artistic competition. Our main goal was to recognise the wonderful performances of all contestants and the tremendous work of their teachers.
The competition is about more than results. It is also an opportunity to hear others, to find inspiration, to share experiences, and to grow together.
And perhaps most importantly: this award does not determine anyone’s future. What matters is to keep going — to keep searching, working, and never losing the joy of making music. A competition is just one stop along a long journey.
I would therefore like to thank all the contestants for their courage in stepping onto the stage, the teachers for their dedicated work, and the parents for their support, without which none of this would be possible.
I look forward to seeing you all again at our competition in the years to come.
Prof. Leoš Čepický
Jury Chairman