So I’m taking part in the International Grand Piano Competition here in Moscow. I arrived on Friday last week and on Saturday we drew the numbers for the order in which we are competing. I got number 7, which might or might not end up being lucky for me!

Yesterday, on Sunday, we performed in the first round, the solo round. I performed pieces by Bach, Ravel and Balakirev. It went alright I think.

Today I worked on the piece I will play in the next round, the concerto round. I will perform Tchaikovsky Concerto No.1. I am really happy about this part of the competition because I get to perform with the Moscow State Symphonia and the conductor Alexander Sladkovsky. We rehearsed this afternoon and we will rehearse again tomorrow. Then I will perform in the final tomorrow evening… hope it goes OK.