Anja Riđešić, a fourth-year piano student at the Academy of Arts in Novi Sad, won the “Golden Matryoshka,” the first prize of the classical music festival Kustendorf Classic, which concluded with the awarding of prizes to the most successful participants.
The “Silver Matryoshka” went to Ivan Koltunov, an accordion student at the Russian Gnessin Academy of Music in Moscow, while the third prize, the “Bronze Matryoshka,” was awarded to soprano Dunja Jeličić from the “Mokranjac” Secondary Music School in Belgrade.
Riđešić emphasized that this was her first time participating in the festival and described the award as “the cherry on top,” noting that Kustendorf Classic was an exceptionally beautiful experience, with unforgettable moments and friendships she will always remember.
Koltunov, who received the “Silver Matryoshka,” said that the award at his debut performance “inspired him to pursue new endeavors.”
Jeličić, the winner of the “Bronze Matryoshka,” pointed out that she had not expected an award since most participants were university students, while she had only recently finished high school and enrolled in college. She described the atmosphere at the closing concert as magical, highlighting the moving performance of Russian soprano Vasilisa Berzhanskaya.
In addition to the Matryoshka awards, which symbolize the spirit of tradition and art, the jury also presented six special diplomas to talented young performers.
Jury member Mikhail Golikov told RT Balkan that this year was the most difficult in the last three years for awarding prizes, given the exceptional talent of all the competitors.
The Kustendorf Classic festival, which began on September 4, brought together 30 young musicians from Serbia, Russia, and Belarus for three days of music, classical performances, and camaraderie in Drvengrad.
At the close of the festival, founder and director Emir Kusturica, who attended all three days as host, congratulated the winners and thanked all participants.
Source: RTRS
