By Heidi Trautmann

I think it was Confucius who said: A human being carries in him-/herself all seeds but it requires a good gardener to bring the seed to full bloom. That is what I always keep thinking when I attend one of Rauf Kasimov’s student concerts. I think I have hardly missed any concert because I am fascinated to see these young people develop. Some of them I have seen on stage when they still had to be lifted up to sit on the piano stool and now they are grown up and at the beginning of their adult life.

At the last concert at the beautiful charming Karmi Church I had the pleasure to meet them again, one young woman among them after many years, she is here for a holiday from New York where she has continued to study piano, Görsev Tepe.  A lively programme wonderfully played by the seven young musicians: Görsev Tepe, Sylvana I, Huges, Irem Bilen, Onur Zaifoğlu, Ipek Zorba, Gökçen Mertoğlu and Pelin Ece Acar.

It made me smile happily to know them take a successful road the one or other way. The same seemed to be in Rauf Kasimov’s mind, as he was beaming with joy and pride. He has all reasons to do so.

I attach the programme here of the music pieces the seven young people were playing for us.

Thank you Rauf for reminding us how important education in the arts is, it not only develops our senses but sensitivity and humaneness.