What differentiates the music we embrace from other ways of entertainment is found in its’ ability to elevate our souls and challenge our minds. Often times the classical music genre has been criticized for being too sophisticated thus harder to reach a general audience. I say quite the contrary. Our society today needs sophisticated artists who will bring more depth to their performances more than ever.
To be a sophisticated artist one is required to spend a lifetime crafting and perfecting not just their technical skills but also their understanding of the art form itself. To perform truly any composer takes more than mere virtuosity. It takes clarity of style, understanding of context, discovery of meaning and curiosity for better. These are characteristics that lead to sophisticated artistry.
My hope for all participants in the George Enescu International Competition is to be accused of being sophisticated. For sophistication brings profound depth, which leads to the discovery of meaning. And the true, basic meaning of art today is to bring hope. A desperately fragile concept, overlooked so often. We need you to make music, and heal our souls more than ever. It is in you and your music that hope lives.
