Bogdan Efremov was born in 2005 in St. Petersburg. He started his music education at Children's Music School No. 20 in the Kurortny District, St. Petersburg. Since 2019, he has been studying at the Moscow Secondary Special Music School (College) named after Gnesin, under the guidance of Honored Artist of the Russian Federation Igor Zimin. In 2019, he achieved first place in the International Competition of Youth Performing Arts named after G.V. Sviridov. In 2021, he won the Grand Prix at the IV International Competition of String Instrument Performers named after Professor V.I. Sher in Petrozavodsk, and also received the first prize at the V International Cello Competition named after Sviatoslav Knushevitsky. In 2023, he reached the semifinals of the XVII International Tchaikovsky Competition. A significant accomplishment that year was securing the first prize at the International Competition of Young Musicians "Symphony of Yamal," marking the Arctic as the venue for such a competition for the first time. Since 2022, he has been participating in programs at the St. Petersburg House of Music.
 
Saint Petersburg Music House (SPMH): What impressed you the most at the "Symphony of Yamal" competition?
Bogdan Efremov: Almost everything. Firstly, the fact that a competition of this level takes place in the Arctic, especially in winter. By the way, right after the competition, the temperatures dropped to -45 degrees, whereas during the competition, the weather was relatively mild – not lower than -25. Apparently, music contributed to the warming, undoubtedly. Secondly, it's the extremely high level of organization in every detail, the lively interest of the audience, and the overall amazingly friendly and warm atmosphere. I am very pleased that I was finally able to perform at a worthy level, sufficient to win the first prize. You know, a competition is always much more than just a performance; the overall stress level is much stronger.
 
SPMH: Last year, another significant event took place – your participation in the International Tchaikovsky Competition. What did this competition mean to you?
Bogdan Efremov: For me, it was the most memorable event of that year. I would say that this competition marked the beginning of my journey as a soloist. I consider myself lucky to have gained experience at such a high-level competition at the age of 17. I've noticed a significant acceleration in my musical development since participating in the Tchaikovsky Competition. 
 
SPMH: Each participant strives to curate the perfect program for the competition. What guided you in selecting your program? 
Bogdan Efremov: Being young, my repertoire isn't yet broad enough to craft an absolutely ideal competition program. I aimed to choose pieces that I could perform with excellence. For the "Symphony of Yamal," I believe I achieved an ideal program – all the pieces I performed resonated deeply with me. For instance, Hindemith's Sonata, chosen specifically for this competition, has now become one of my favorite pieces in my repertoire. Additionally, performing Shostakovich's Sonata, who happens to be one of my favorite composers, was a significant experience due to its rich variety of colors and moods constantly intertwining with each other.
 
SPMH: Who introduced you to music? How did your introduction to the cello occur, and why did this instrument become a part of your life?
Bogdan Efremov: When I was two years old, my mom bought some educational sound posters – you know, the kind that teaches the alphabet and geography. Among them, there was one featuring a lively orchestra. That's where it all began. My memories of this are quite hazy, but according to my mom, I insisted so adamantly on wanting a cello that she initially tried to placate me with a harmonica and a small synthesizer. However, I persisted in my demand for a cello. Just before I turned 4, she took me to a music school for general development classes, where I continued to express my desire for a cello to the teachers. Finally, on the third lesson, they gave in and introduced me to my first cello teacher. As a result, I have almost no memories of life without the cello; it has always been an integral part of my life. And yes – there are no musicians in my family; I am the first one.
 
SPMH: What music did you listen to in your childhood, and what do you listen to now?
Bogdan Efremov: In my childhood, our home was filled with the sounds of baroque music, predominantly cello compositions. Now, as a professional musician, I find myself open to listening to a wide range of genres and styles. However, my interest in baroque music has somewhat diminished over time.
 
SPMH: What is your most striking impression of music: a concert, a particular piece …?
Bogdan Efremov: It's difficult to say. Nearly every piece I take on leaves a vivid impression. I have distinct memories of the impact of the 2015 Tchaikovsky Competition, where I was deeply affected by almost the entire program that was performed. Additionally, I must highlight Grieg's Cello Sonata – it's an absolutely brilliant and incredibly complex piece. I haven't dared to perform it yet due to its unreal emotional intensity.
 
SPMH: On March 21st in the "Soloists of the Music House at the Mariinsky" project, you will perform Elgar's Concerto in E minor. What makes this piece extraordinary? 
Bogdan Efremov: This piece is emotionally complex. Its spirit deeply resonates with me. The more you play it, the deeper you immerse yourself and realize its multi-layered nature. After the First World War, Elgar actually wanted to distance himself from composing and didn't write anything for 4 years. This concerto became one of his first compositions after the war. It weaves together themes of pain, passion, suffering, as well as enlightenment and hope. One could say it reflects the consciousness of a person who lived through that tumultuous and harrowing time.
 
SPMH: How did your journey with the Saint Petersburg Music House begin, and what, in your opinion, distinguishes its projects?
Bogdan Efremov: My introduction started with the "River of Talents" project. I eagerly awaited my 16th birthday to finally apply for it. "River of Talents" served as my unique entry point into the life of the House of Music. I am delighted to be actively involved in the House of Music's projects now – it offers a remarkable blend of learning under the guidance of the great musician and wonderful teacher Sergei Pavlovich Roldugin, and the opportunity to gain stage performance experience. My primary focus now is to continue evolving as a soloist.
 
SPMH: What type of music do you most enjoy performing: composers, genres...?
Bogdan Efremov: I am particularly drawn to 20th-century music, such as Stravinsky, Shostakovich, and Hindemith. It's only recently that I've reached a level as a musician where I can perform this kind of music, so I haven't had the opportunity to play much of it yet. In the future, I plan to perform Shostakovich's Concerto No. 1 and Khachaturian's Cello Concerto in E minor. I already know that if something doesn't immediately appeal to me, it doesn't mean I won't come back to it later with a new understanding.
 
SPMH: What besides music fascinates you? Have your interests changed over time?
Bogdan Efremov: The open road holds special significance in my life. Any moments of movement or travel are essential to me. In this sense, I consider myself fortunate in my profession. I can't picture myself sitting still for long periods. I also have a deep passion for playing chess. Alongside my love for the cello, chess has been a consistent part of my life. I regularly participate in various chess tournaments and visit the local chess club. Additionally, for several years, I was actively involved in equestrian sports and competed in show jumping multiple times. However, my enthusiasm for this sport has waned over time - it's perhaps the only activity that has lost its appeal for me.
 
Interview by Tatiana Mikhailova