"I just remember playing the piano since forever" - Alberto Cartuccia Cingolani
You are the youngest ‘Grand Prize’ winner of the competition.
Do you remember your first touch with the piano?
I just remember playing the piano since forever. I started when I was three years old and very small.
How did you participate in the Royal Maas International Competition?
My dad found this route on the Internet and, knowing that I like to make videos while I play and test myself, he entered me in the Royal Maas International Competition.
Did you expect to become the winner of the competition and what were your feelings when you found out the news?
Actually, I didn’t expect to be the winner at all and when my parents told me, I jumped for joy: I couldn’t believe it!
How do you combine your practice with the other activities?
In the morning I go to school, in the afternoon I do my homework and study piano, then I play something after dinner.
What are your favorite games to play when you are not making music?
I really like wooden tracks for toy trains and cars: I can build them any way I want and I like to build tracks full of curves and bridges. In my playroom I’m working on a really big track.
What other hobbies or interests are you passionate about?
I like cycling, I have a mania for world flags and road signs. Lately I’ve been getting into cars in general.
Do you influence your friends to make music?
I don’t really talk about music with my friends, when I meet them at school we talk about something else, but they always tell me they follow my channel and sometimes they see me on TV.
Did you give yourself something special with the prize?
My parents set aside my scholarships: I’ll mainly need them when I’m older, but in the meantime, they buy me some presents and they pay for them!
Which composer or piece is special to you?
I have always been passionate about Mozart, but I also love Vivaldi and Beethoven!
What is your dream stage on which you would like to perform?
Maybe in Vienna, at the Musikverein or at the Mozarteum! I wish!!!