Born in 2003 in Saint Petersburg, Filipp Sozdatelev began his musical education at the Specialized Music School No. 11 under the mentorship of Sergey Zubarev. In 2020 he enrolled at the N.A. Rimsky-Korsakov St. Petersburg State Conservatory, where he studied with Honored Artist of Russia Professor Andrei Kazakov, and currently with Nikita Lyutikov. In 2019, he won the first prize at the Crescendo International Music Competition. Then, in 2021, he won the first prize at the Weber Clarinet International Competition. The following year, in 2022, he secured the third prize at the N.A. Rimsky-Korsakov International Competition in Saint Petersburg. In 2017, he was awarded the Young Talents Award by the government of St. Petersburg. In 2018, he has been featured in concert programs organized by the Vladimir Spivakov Foundation. He has performed at such prestigious venues as the Mariinsky Theatre, the Saint Petersburg Academic Philharmonic named after D. D. Shostakovich, and the St. Petersburg State Academic Capella. In August 2020 he successfully auditioned for the Youth Symphony Orchestra of Russia under the direction of Yuri Bashmet. Notably, he demonstrated his talent at Carnegie Hall in New York as a laureate of the Crescendo International Music Competition.

Filipp Sozdatelev: My journey into music began in kindergarten when my music teacher, Irina Repina, recognized my musical talent during classes. She suggested to my parents that I enroll in the clarinet class at the Specialized Music School No. 11 with Sergey Zubarev. At that young age, I was unfamiliar with the clarinet and uncertain if it would capture my interest. However, under my teacher's guidance, I developed a deep affection for music and the clarinet as I progressed through my early years of learning.

I believe it was not until my first year at the conservatory that I truly realized that the clarinet was my instrument of choice. By the end of high school, I faced a tough decision: continue studying at the conservatory or pursue a business degree. However, after completing the entrance exams, I felt a deep connection to music that compelled me to pursue a career as a musician. As I immersed myself in my studies during my freshman year, my bond with the clarinet grew stronger and solidified its place as my true musical passion.

Saint Petersburg Music House (SPMH): What are your thoughts on the notion that young musicians frequently prioritize virtuosity, potentially overshadowing other aspects of performance?

Filipp Sozdatelev: As I see it, many young musicians initially prioritize virtuosity, sometimes overlooking other important aspects of their artistry. I went through a similar phase, but as I grew older, I realized the importance of a wider range of nuances in music. While mastering technique is essential, it's equally vital to develop elements like tone and musical intuition. These aspects help performances stand out and connect with listeners. Discovering and refining one's unique sound is a personal journey that evolves over time, much like the development of musical intuition.

SPMH: What do you pay attention to first when listening to famous clarinetists? What is most important in their performance, in your opinion?

Filipp Sozdatelev: For me, it's crucial that an interpretation connects with me personally. I prefer interpretations that are convincing and emotionally stirring. Also, I focus on the sound, which is often a defining factor. A musician with a rich tone, who can adjust it to suit the music being played, stands out to me.

SPMH: Do you have musical idols?

Filipp Sozdatelev: To be honest, I don't have set idols, but there are numerous clarinetists whom I admire as musicians and find joy in their performances. Some of them include my teacher Nikita Lyutikov, Sergey Yeletsky, and international players like Joë Christophe, Nicolas Baldeyrou, and Andreas Ottensamer. In my opinion, these clarinetists have a refined musical intuition and effectively communicate the composer's vision to the audience.

SPMH: How was your recent tour in Europe with the “Embassy of Musical Mastery” project by the Saint Petersburg Music House? What did you think of the performances and the overall trip?

Filipp Sozdatelev: The tour was packed with performances and emotions! It was a delight for me and my fellow musicians to be back in Europe after a break. The “Embassy of Musical Mastery” project by the Saint Petersburg Music House gave us a unique chance to restart our concert series in Europe, which made us very happy. The audiences' enthusiastic response left us with wonderful memories. They were attentive and shared our musical emotions. The audience's love for the music of great composers like Rimsky-Korsakov and Mussorgsky, whose anniversaries were celebrated in the concerts, was remarkable. During breaks, we took the time to explore the cities we performed in. Brussels and The Hague impressed us with their beautiful architecture, while Luxembourg charmed us with its picturesque scenery.

I became involved with the Saint Petersburg Music House in 2022 through the “River of Talents” project, which was introduced to me by musician friends. After playing with the orchestra in this project, my interest in the Music House's concerts and masterclasses grew. I began taking part in chamber and symphonic concerts, each offering unique experiences and chances to develop. I'm incredibly thankful to the Saint Petersburg Music House and its artistic director, Sergei Roldugin, for this enriching experience!

SPMH: You'll be performing Weber's Concertino and Debussy's First Rhapsody at the St. Petersburg State Academic Capella on April 3 for the “Musical Team of Russia” project by the Saint Petersburg Music House. There's a hundred-year gap between these pieces. Can you feel the difference in music styles from different eras, and if so, how does it show?

Filipp Sozdatelev: Absolutely, you can feel the difference because not only are the eras different, but German and French music also require different approaches. Weber's clarinet compositions, in my opinion, should be played in a more disciplined style, while still maintaining freedom and musicality. Debussy's Rhapsody calls for more delicate imagery and gentle nuances. The concert lineup is very interesting, and I'm excited to perform with the Capella orchestra!

SPMH: Which musical era do you prefer the most?

Filipp Sozdatelev: I am particularly fond of the music from the first half of the 20th century. This period includes compositions from the impressionist era and numerous works by French composers who were part of the group “Les Six.” The music is rich in vivid colors, emotions, and unique harmonic choices that deeply resonate with me and stir up a lot of emotions every time I listen to it.

SPMH: How do you feel about modern music, both classical and more popular genres?

Filipp Sozdatelev: At first, I had mixed feelings about contemporary classical music because it didn't strike me as particularly special. However, after playing works by modern composers solo and with orchestras, I've become more interested in it. I try to explore and find something new in this area whenever I can. As for contemporary non-classical music, I enjoy listening to jazz. It helps me unwind and clear my mind after a busy day.

SPMH: What do you see for your music career, what are you aiming for?

Filipp Sozdatelev: I envision myself as a soloist and eventually a featured soloist in an orchestra. My goal is to leave a mark in clarinet music history and be remembered by listeners for years to come.

Interview by Tatiana Mikhailova