SERBIAN PRODIGY SHINES IN AMERICA: Mihajlo (14) takes third place at prestigious competition in Chicago after performing at Carnegie Hall!

While most of his peers are spending their summer vacation at the seaside or playing video games, fourteen-year-old Mihajlo Stojanović from Belgrade has written one of the most inspiring stories in Serbian music this summer. After performing at the renowned Carnegie Hall in New York, the young pianist won third place at the prestigious Chicago International Music Competition, once again proving that some of the greatest talents come from Serbia.

Although he is only 14 years old, Mihajlo already has a biography that many much older artists can only dream of. His journey is no coincidence, but the result of talent, discipline, and daily dedication, as confirmed by his professor and mentor Tijana Kazarsa, who accompanied him during his performances in the United States.

Third place at one of the world’s most prestigious international competitions did not come easily. Young pianists from numerous countries competed in Chicago, and Mihajlo was the only representative of Serbia.

In the final, he performed Jean Sibelius’ Impromptu, Op. 5 No. 5, and Sergei Rachmaninoff’s Prelude, Op. 3 No. 2, compositions that require outstanding technical ability as well as artistic maturity.

“Mihajlo’s third place is of exceptional significance. The competition was extremely strong, and we are especially pleased that the international expert jury recognized his quality and rewarded his hard work. When we learned that he had won the award, our emotions were mixed – from disbelief and excitement to immense joy and pride. This result confirms years of hard work, dedication, and talent, while also serving as great encouragement for his future artistic development,” said Professor Tijana Kazarsa.

On the stage where legends perform

Just a few days before his success in Chicago, Mihajlo fulfilled the dream of almost every classical musician.

At the invitation of the organizers of the international Golden Classical Music Awards competition, as the winner of the first prize, he performed in the famous Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall in New York – a venue where the world’s greatest artists have performed for decades.

“For a young pianist from Serbia, this was a moment confirming that his artistic journey has long since surpassed national borders,” said his professor, who accompanied him in Chicago.

From Italy to Japan – a success story spanning years

Chicago is not the first major success for this talented young musician.

Mihajlo is the absolute winner of the international Città di Minerbio competition in Italy, where he received the highest honor in exceptionally strong international competition.

Audiences have already heard him perform in some of the world’s most prestigious concert venues – at the Opéra Bastille Studio in Paris, the Royal Academy of Music in London, the Berlin Philharmonie, while in Tokyo he participated in a prestigious masterclass program.

“For someone who is only 14 years old, this is an impressive series of achievements clearly indicating that a major international career lies ahead.”

Talent is not enough – Mihajlo stands out because of something much more important

Professor Tijana Kazarsa says that Mihajlo’s talent was evident from his very first lessons, but that what distinguishes him from other young pianists are qualities that cannot be learned overnight.

“Mihajlo is, above all, a modest, well-mannered, and curious child who genuinely loves music. As a student, he is extremely responsible, hardworking, and dedicated. Of course, he possesses exceptional talent, but talent alone is not enough. His achievements are the result of daily work, discipline, perseverance, and the desire to keep improving. What I especially appreciate is his willingness to accept advice, learn from every experience, and never give up when faced with challenges.”

She adds that international success brings self-confidence, but also new responsibility.

“It is important for him to remain grounded and to see every success as motivation for further work rather than as the final goal. I am convinced that this is only the beginning of his artistic journey.”

“It was clear from the very first lessons that he was special”

Kazarsa recalls recognizing Mihajlo’s potential almost immediately.

“Even then, he stood out because of his exceptional musicality, natural feeling for the piano, and ability to absorb new material very quickly. However, what convinced me that he could achieve outstanding results was not only his talent, but also the seriousness of his approach to work from the very beginning.”

She says that every new performance only confirmed what had been obvious from the start.

“Mihajlo’s success in Chicago did not surprise me. It is the logical result of long-term, systematic work, great dedication, and his genuine love of music.”

A professor’s pride: “The greatest reward is not a medal”

For Tijana Kazarsa, awards are important, but they are not the greatest value.

“For every teacher, the greatest reward is not a medal or a trophy, but the moment when they see their student fulfilling their potential and growing into a serious artist. Behind every award stand years of work, sacrifice, mutual trust, and shared growth.”

She emphasizes that preparing a child for international competitions like these involves much more than practice.

“It is necessary to develop psychological stability, the ability to cope with pressure, and to give one’s very best on stage. The role of a teacher is much broader than simply teaching how to play – it is about being a mentor, a source of support, and someone who helps the student build self-confidence.”

Only the opening movement of a great career

The professor believes that Mihajlo’s journey proves that great dreams can become reality.

“His story is a wonderful example that great dreams can come true when talent, dedicated work, pedagogical guidance, and family support come together.”

She adds that she hopes stories like this will inspire children who are just beginning their journey into the world of music.

“What matters most is not how many awards you win, but that you enjoy what you do. When perseverance, dedication, mentorship, and the support of loved ones are added to that, success comes as a natural consequence.”