The winners of the VIII Constellation Competition of Young Musicians were awarded in Russia

A new musical "Constellation" has been ignited in Russia — the best young performers have been chosen on the Black Sea coast. For them, this is not only an impetus for creative growth, but also a chance to attract the attention of the masters. The strict jury is headed by Sergey Roldugin, People's Artist of Russia, Artistic Director of the St. Petersburg House of Music.

Three attempts were made to qualify for the country's most prestigious competition for young musicians, and only in 2026 did participant Victoria Makarova finally reach her "Constellation".

"The halls are amazing, the acoustics are just perfect, and you can do absolutely anything in them," admitted Makarova.

Absolutely every note is clearly audible, because the stage is world-class. And even with the symphony orchestra, the finalists seem to have been on the same page for a long time. The VIII All—Russian competition of Young Musicians "Constellation" is being held for the first time at the most modern and technologically advanced performing venue in Russia - the Sirius concert complex.

"The music is perceived differently here, the hall feels differently, and every performance is experienced differently. That is why Constellation is not just another musical competition – it is an important step towards a great stage life," said Yaroslav Bogat, a correspondent for Izvestia.

And the beginning of this path is under the supervision of real professionals. The jury consists of famous musicians led by Maestro Roldugin.

"Participation in this competition, specifically at Constellation, is a fairly serious step up the career ladder. A serious step. There is an opportunity, a chance to take the next step, that is, to pursue a really big adult music career," he stressed.

Soraya Gonzalez Abdikeeva, a participant in the contest, was born in Spain, but she found her musical voice in Saratov, learned to play so that words are no longer needed.

"I was inspired by the seventh Constellation contest. He made a strong impression on me. I realized then that my dream was to participate in this competition, the Constellation competition,— Abdikeeva said.

But "Constellation" is not only about selecting talented performers, it is also about transferring valuable musical experience to both children and their teachers. Like, for example, at a master class where Honored Artist of Russia Pavel Milyukov analyzes the composition together with the winner of the 2025 contest.

"Since we have so—called support programs, where we really give the previous winner the opportunity not only to play with a good arrest, in good halls, but also to work out afterwards in all three specialties that we have presented," Milyukov explained.

The Grand Prix is not just won by the best, talented or technical, all these factors must coincide. And finally, the climax.

"This time, the Grand Prix, by the decision of the jury, is awarded to Alexander Bitter," Roldugin announced from the stage.

"There is a lot of inspiration, motivation to continue creating, to come up with something, to learn a lot of new programs, because now there will be more concerts," said Alexander Bitter, the winner of the grand Prix of the All-Russian competition of Young musicians "Constellation".

This is just the beginning of the journey into the big musical universe, where the first adult strong note sounded from the stage of Sirius, in the brightest annual Constellation.

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The St. Petersburg House of Music celebrated its 20th anniversary on February 5 with a grand concert program. The institution has become a real place of strength for thousands of aspiring artists. Renowned masters share their invaluable experience, which makes the education system unique. Over the years, more than 3,000 concerts have been held in Russia and abroad with the participation of students from this unique institution.

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