A young Ukrainian surges at Carl Nielsen contest
NewsThe semi-finalists have been chosen at the Carl Nielsen Competition in Odense.
They are:
Hans Christian Aavik (Estonia)
Ava Bahari (Sweden)
Sarah Jégou-Sageman (France)
Lorenz Karls (Austria)
Eun Che Kim (S Korea)
Bohdan Luts (Ukraine)
Luts, at 17, is by far the youngest.
The Carl Nielsen International Competition has 3 divisions: Violin, Flute & Clarinet, for the 3 instruments for whom Nielsen composed concerti.
In the clarinet division, another Ukrainian candidate is taking center stage: Oleg Shebeta-Dragan of Kyiv has just been named as one of the three finalists! https://carlnielsencompetition.com/oleg-shebeta-dragan-27/
The Nielsen Competition published a statement before the competition began that candidates from all countries would be welcomed & considered equally. Traditionally they list every candidate’s name with their country. Country names were removed this year.
There were originally Russian as well as Ukrainian candidates in all catagories. Several of the Russians who were scheduled to compete dropped out last minute. It wasn’t because they were not welcome. Competition directors made it very clear that they were. I suspect that travel & conditions leaving Russia must have made their participation impossible.
This young man can really play! He deservedly just passed as one of the 3 violinists in the finals. Just 17 years old & such a bright talent! https://fb.watch/cefdlHstzN/