Polina Thai was born in 2008 in Kemerovo. She received her initial professional training at the Novosibirsk Secondary Music School (in the class of Honored Artist of the Russian Federation, Professor Evgeny Nilov). Currently, she is a student at the Central Music School – Academy of Performing Arts (in the class of teacher Maria Zhuravleva). In 2019, she became a laureate of the 3rd prize at the International Television Contest for Young Musicians “Nutcracker” (Moscow), and in 2020, she won the 1st prize at the 4th International Oskar Rieding Competition (Slovenia). In 2022, she was awarded the 1st prize at the 8th International Central Music School Competition (Moscow) and the 4th All-Russian Competition for Young Musicians “Constellation” (Sochi). In 2023, she took 2nd prize at the 11th International Tchaikovsky Youth Competition (St. Petersburg). She is a scholarship recipient of the Vladimir Spivakov Foundation and has been actively performing since 2022. She joined the St. Petersburg Music House’s programs in 2024.
 
Polina Thai: The year I was born, my brother was enrolled in a cello class. This choice turned out to be life-changing for both of us, as just a few years later, we were both studying under Professor Evgeny Zakharovich Nilov in Novosibirsk. In 2019, I joined Maria Yuryevna Zhuravleva’s class at the Central Music School, while my brother enrolled at the Moscow State Tchaikovsky Conservatory to study with Boris Anatolyevich Andrianov (my brother is now a postgraduate student at the conservatory). In our family, only my brother and I pursue music professionally. My older brother is an architect, and our parents are not musicians. But thanks to our involvement in music, everyone in our family has become a fan of the cello, which holds a prominent place in the classical music repertoire, in various interpretations.
 
St. Petersburg Music House (SPMH): When did you truly feel the uniqueness of your instrument, its voice?
Polina Thai: I can’t say that I felt it at a specific moment. It was more of a natural process. The cello has always been a part of my life, my way of perceiving the world.
 
SPMH: Your first solo concert was at the age of 14. What memories do you have from that performance?
Polina Thai: The solo concert took place in Krasnoyarsk. It was my first time performing Boccherini’s Cello Concerto and Tchaikovsky’s Pezzo Capriccioso with an orchestra, along with two of Popper’s beloved cello pieces: Concert Polonaise and Hungarian Rhapsody. A special place in the concert was occupied by Ballad by Josef Suk, a Czech composer, for which an orchestral arrangement was made specifically for this performance. I have the warmest and fondest memories of my first solo concert. Above all, I remember the feeling of happiness, kindness, and love that came from working with the wonderful musician Mikhail Iosifovich Benyumov and the Krasnoyarsk Chamber Orchestra. Their sensitive, professional approach to working with a young performer commands great respect and gratitude.
 
SPMH: From an early age, you have been very successful in competitions. Is there a secret to your victories?  
Polina Thai: The secret to winning competitions isn’t really a secret. You make a decision, submit an application, practice, and see the results of your work. The key to preparing for a competition is discipline and hard work. I believe all competitions come with nerves and intensity. I don’t remember any "easy" competitions. There’s always some kind of challenge, no matter what. There’s always something you could have done better. That’s why, when a competition ends, the work either continues... or just begins! After the joy of victory, you have to sit down at the instrument again and start from scratch, as if on a new page.
 
SPMH: This year, you became a participant in the programs of the St. Petersburg Music House. What are your expectations from this collaboration?
Polina Thai: From what I feel, participating in the programs of the St. Petersburg Music House is a step into adulthood. It’s a bit nerve-wracking, but also very exciting. I’m looking forward to new knowledge, meetings, and connections. My mindset is focused on gaining new skills and experience. I’m also hopeful to gain new, dedicated listeners.
 
SPMH: What impression did the Summer Academy of the St. Petersburg Music House in Crimea leave on you, in which you participated for the first time?
Polina Thai: The Summer Academy of the St. Petersburg Music House in Crimea felt like it passed in one breath. I am deeply grateful to Sergei Pavlovich Roldugin for these days. The excitement and nervousness I felt before going quickly turned into enthusiasm, engagement, and the joy of creative collaboration. For me, it was a new experience and a new stage in learning and understanding my profession. I gained many new thoughts, ideas, and plans. Moreover, I met musicians whose names I’ve known for a long time, and who are already seen as established artists. It’s incredibly valuable to observe their work and how they take advantage of such a wonderful opportunity to work with the best teachers.
 
SPMH: Next up is the St. Petersburg Music House project “River of Talents.” How do you feel about this form of support for young musicians, helping them prepare for performances?
Polina Thai: "River of Talents" is a unique project. First of all, it’s about working on a piece of music, and secondly, it’s about performing with an orchestra. For many young musicians, it’s rare to play with an orchestra, let alone work with Sergey Pavlovich. I feel very fortunate to be part of this project — to participate, to work, and to have the chance to showcase myself.
 
SPMH: Among your upcoming performances are concerts of the “Musical Team of Russia” project in Sochi and Yalta. Bach, Brahms, Martinu – three different centuries. In your opinion, which musical era does the cello respond to most sensitively? 
Polina Thai: The cello sounds good in any era. But I think I feel most connected to Brahms. The timbres of the cello are well-suited, and the emotional intensity is steady yet moderate. You can feel that German assertiveness and impulsiveness.
 
SPMH: If the choice of repertoire were entirely up to you, what would it be?
Polina Thai: The cello repertoire isn’t as extensive as that of pianists or violinists. That’s why every piece brings inspiration, becomes a favorite, and among those favorites, there’s always that one special piece that resonates with your soul at the moment, expressing your mood, and something you want to share with the world, telling a story that only you know. Right now, I’m more drawn to the Romantic repertoire, but I also take great pleasure in diving into works by Haydn or Bach. Chamber music holds a special place for me, offering just as much joy in performance.
 
Interview prepared by Tatyana Mikhailova