The Voices of the Carl Filtsch International Competition - Inya-Maria Cutova: "On stage, I felt a living presence, something hard to put into words"

For Inya-Maria Cutova, the stage is a space that calls to her. At just 16 years old, the pianist from Constanța won the First Prize in Category C at 2025 Carl Filtsch International Piano Competition, once again confirming a remarkable artistic journey. It wasn’t her first time being awarded in Sibiu, but this time she convinced the jury that she deserved the grand prize. With already substantial experience in concerts, collaborations and competitions, Inya came to Sibiu with calm, focus and a strong connection to the music she performed.

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How would you describe your experience at the Carl Filtsch International Competition?

It was a wonderful experience, full of emotions and moments that I won’t forget anytime soon. Everything, from the atmosphere of the competition to the meetings with the other participants and later with the jury, made me feel like I was part of a truly special event. It was an intense week, but at the same time an extremely beautiful and valuable one for me. 

How did you feel performing on stage with the orchestra, under the baton of conductor Miguel Campos Neto?

On stage, I felt a living presence, something hard to put into words. It was an intense moment, full of inner emotions, during which I tried to share all my feelings with the audience. Singing alongside such a great orchestra, under the baton of the wonderful conductor Miguel Campos Neto, was an immense honor and joy. I was deeply inspired by his professionalism and energy – it truly helped me give my very best in that moment, and I would be very happy to collaborate in the future.

What was the most emotional or memorable moment of the competition week for you?

Without a doubt, the most emotional moment was the final concert with the orchestra. To be there, on the stage of the Philharmonic, surrounded by talented musicians and to feel the music come to life in front of the audience – it was an indescribable feeling, a dream come true.

What inspired your choice of repertoire for the competition?

I performed these pieces following discussions with my teachers, who inspired me in choosing them for the competition.

How did you prepare for the competition, and what challenges did you encounter along the way?

I prepared for this competition by practicing daily, focusing both on technical details and musical expressiveness. One of the biggest challenges was maintaining my mental energy throughout the entire study period, as well as managing my emotions in front of the jury and the audience during the onstage performances. 

What does winning this prize mean to you?

This award is probably the most important one I have received so far in my piano career, having been won at such a prestigious competition. It represents not only a validation of the work I’ve put in, but also a huge source of motivation. It is an important step I’ve taken and a memory I will always carry with me. 

In what way do you think this experience contributed to your artistic journey?

It helped me enormously; I feel that I’ve grown a lot of thanks to this competition. Every competition brings some progress, but this time I felt a bigger, clearer leap. The fact that I had the opportunity to perform in the final alongside a high-level orchestra and under the baton of such an experienced conductor enriched me musically and taught me to connect even more deeply with what I’m interpreting.

Would you encourage other young pianists to apply to this competition?

With all my heart, yes! It is a wonderful competition, well organized, with a distinguished jury, a beautiful stage, and a professional yet friendly atmosphere. It offers real opportunities for recognition and growth, as well as the chance to meet other contestants and listen to the music they share in turn. I believe it is one of the most important international competitions in Romania and fully deserves the attention of any serious young musician.

Every appearance on stage is, for Inya, an opportunity to express herself, but also to grow. Behind the calm with which she approaches competitions lie years of study, support from her family, dedicated teachers guiding her and a path built with great patience. The prize she won in Sibiu comes as a confirmation, but it is by no means an end – on the contrary. She left the competition with gratitude and the conviction that, when you are truly present in the music, it can be felt from the outside. As part of the prize, Inya will come to Sibiu in 2025-2026 season as a soloist on the Philharmonic stage, at the symphonic concert on April 16.

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Interview by Cristina Ghinea, PR Sibiu State Philharmonic
Photo credit: Mihail Andrei Nistor