After quite some time, another Serbian laureate arrived. Did you celebrate?
Of course! We all celebrated and were extremely happy for her. Me, her family, her former teacher, and, I believe, the whole country! This award from significant competition was very well deserved. She has not only a great talent but also a work ethic. She puts in much hard work and constantly improves and evolves. Serbia is a small country with a big heart. And every time some of us achieve any significant result, it is always a matter of pride for all of us.
What does your current cooperation look like?
We work closely and frequently, with more than a few weekly lessons. Lana is covering more repertoire and improving her technique and expression. And besides this, she has more and more concerts and media obligations, so all this adds to the load she has to carry, which takes work. We are trying to balance all these things. To achieve everything expected of her and what she expects from herself while improving and studying. Because that is also very, very important, she needs education to develop fully as a violinist.
How far do you think Lana will get? She is a rising star…
Well, it is impossible to tell how far she will get. However, based on her character and her qualities as a musician and a person, she has all the prerequisites to become highly successful in anything she decides to do. Even if she, for any reason, chooses not to play the violin and do something different, she will be great at it.
What makes her a great violinist?
It is a combination of different things; of course, there is talent, but she is exceptionally dedicated, consistent, disciplined in her practice and approach, and very organised. And it is essential because just talent without these other qualities doesn’t get you far; it doesn’t mean much. She has all of them. And it is also about her as a person; she is genuine, and when she performs, this honesty comes through. Hard work, of course, but also honesty, spontaneity and a natural feel for performance. It is visible on stage and also off stage.
It’s been precisely 40 years since your victory. What is your dearest memory of your time in Ústí?
Wow, I am shocked that it has been that long. I don’t feel that old! Time flies! I have strong memories but don’t have that many because I was very young. I have flashes of working with my father, waking up very early, hearing people already practising, meeting other competitors, and memories of being on the stage playing behind the curtain. I also saw my shadow on the floor because it was just so bizarre for me to play behind the curtain. I remember seeing the shadow of my hands on the floor, and I just couldn’t stop looking at that. And I remember smelling the smell of the booklet of the competition; it just left such a strong impression on me, I don’t know why. The way the paper was printed… And even now, when I smell it somewhere, it immediately brings me back to Ústí nad Orlicí.
Do you follow the news about Kocianka every year?
Yes, of course I do. I go to websites and social media and check out what is happening; it is always exciting. Following the competition through the live stream and seeing and hearing so many incredible violinists playing their best is great because competing can bring the best absolute from young violinists.