Gergely Devich scores success at Eurovision Young Musicians

In the final Gergely Devich played the Allegro appassionato by Saint-Saens.The jury awarded silver to Slovene pianist Urban Stani, while the winner was Chinese-born Austrian violinist Ziyu He, who played an excerpt from the first movement of Bartók's Violin Concerto with the Westdeutscher Rundfunk (WDR) orchestra conducted by Estonian Kristiina Poska in the final on Saturday evening. In the wake of the orchestral final held on the open-air stage in front of Cologne Cathedral, chair of the jury, violinist Clemens Hellsberg, president of the Vienna Philharmonic, emphasized that the standard of the competition had been extremely high and reaching a decision had been very difficult. He said every young musician deserved an accolade. The 14 musicians included four violinists, two accordion players, two guitarists, two pianists, a viola player and a flautist. Besides Gergely Devich there was another cellist, the Portuguese contestant.

Photo: MTI / Balázs Mohai

Gergely Devich told Hungarian news agency MTI that he was delighted. He is proud to have represented Hungary, not to have let anyone down and to have proved to himself his abilities. Furthermore, he gained huge experience and made many friends. "It would be good if Hungary could again take part in the EYM competition in two years' time, because this is the place for Hungarian musicians and I wish the prospective Hungarian competitor much luck!" the cellist was quoted as saying.

MTI/Zeneakademia.hu