By Heidi Trautmann

I love getting emails in the very early morning saying: “We have won again!”

The email was sent by Rauf Kasimov from Germany, the morning after the international piano competition in Pforzheim. Rauf is the teacher of the 12 years old pianist and he has accompanied her to this very important musical event. Recognition is important, competition is important to learn how other young pianists from around the world are doing it. Görsev Tepe was given the first prize in her age group 12-14 years!

It was the Second International Contest “Musikus Feuerwerke” which means roughly translated “Musicians’ fireworks” which was held at the Youth Music Conservatoire in Pforzheim. Young musicians had come from Russia, Japan, Holland, China, Germany and Turkey. In her age group were only very talented Russian participants but she won after all with pieces by Bach Liszt and U.C. Erkin.

Pianist Rauf Kasimov, her piano teacher now for over six years, is very proud of her, and so are we! Her talent is outstanding but it is the seriousness and passion which impresses me most. And her teacher takes care of that with a very good hand.