The year before, she won the third category and became the absolute winner; last year, she excelled in the theatre during the traditional laureate concert. And this year? Although Lana Zorjan is not in Ústí in person, the Serbian violinist told us about her present and her plans through a video interview. Interestingly, she is now cooperating with two other laureates. Her teacher, Stefan Milenkovic, is the youngest-ever winner from 1984, and her concert partner and close friend is the most recent laureate, Milan Kostelenec. Kocianka creates new friendships, including those for life.
What have you been up to the last year?
It’s been an unexpected year with many turns and things I never thought would happen. I entered university, which I definitely wasn’t planning. I have started studying with Professor Stefan Milankovic, an outstanding professor. He has such knowledge and a lot of willingness to share it. Studying with somebody I’ve been looking up to for years is an honour.
And any competition success?
I also got a scholarship at the Lichtenstein Academy of Music, thanks to which I got to meet many incredible musicians, such as the winners of the Paganini competitions. I also got my two current girl best friends from there. One is from Korea, and one is from Turkey. The main success was the Discovery 2024 for the International Classical Music Award, and I cried with happiness.
And you had concerts with Milan. Whose idea it was?
Mine! He asked me if I was coming to Czechia and if not, he would travel to Serbia. And I laughed it off; I thought it was a joke. Two months later, I asked him jokingly if he was coming to Serbia at some point. He’s like, yes, I’m coming in winter. So I asked him if he would like to do some concerts.
And how was it?
Incredible. Milan is not only an astonishing violinist, obviously an extraordinary talent, but most importantly, an amazing person. And meeting a person who can understand you on more levels is priceless. And since he visited Serbia, he has been one of the very few people I text or call every single day. We’ve created a lovely bond since the concert, and I’m so happy to have him in my life.
Do you two talk about Kocianka?
It´s funny because most of the time we don´t talk about music at all! But yes, of course. And I think about it almost every day. Kocianka was when I changed my mental relationship with the violin and the stage. I’ll never forget where it came from.
And how do you rest when you don’t play?
I started composing, and I love it. I’m fascinated by how each composer had an actual storyline. I’m writing for fun, only as a hobby. But it’s therapeutic to express your emotions in another aspect. Sometimes, I have trouble genuinely expressing my feelings with words, so I use notes. And I hope it also brings something lovely to the people who hear it.
So, your emotions are your inspiration?
Yeah, exactly. For example, I didn’t know what to give Milan for his birthday, so I wrote him a piece. And I have a couple of pieces now that I really like.
Do you have specific plans that you are looking forward to?
I have a huge competition in Italy in May. And then in June, I’m going to the Czechia. I’m just so excited about this trip because I’ll be able to work with Professor Pavel Šporcl. After all, it’s his master class. And also be able to see Milan, which is incredible. It’s lovely that we can talk like this, but I still miss him and want to see him in person.
Right after the trip, we’re travelling to Serbia to have rehearsals for the concert with the orchestra in Turkey. We’re both excited about it because it will mark this little trip for almost two weeks. I’m just really looking forward to it.