(VNF) - Despite not winning the grand prize in the Special round of Hungarian musical talent contest Virtuozok 2018, what Ninh Duc Hoang Long has achieved still does us proud.

Ninh Duc Hoang Long performs in Sandor Palace (the President's Residence) as one of the three finalists of Virtuozok 2018. (source: Virtouzok)

Together with 8 other contestants, Long was selected to enter the final round of the contest, which was held on June 8.

He was the first prize winner of Virtuozok’s senior category on June 2.

Long’s facebook page has been flooded with congratulation words (in both Vietnamese and Hungarian language) and bouquets pictures since the day the news was announced.

The achievement has made him become the pride of not only Vietnam but also a precious gem of Hungary, the host country where his talent has been nourished and given the chance to blossom.

“Coming back home after spending a long day at the TV station, I would love to thank you guys for the warm wishes you’ve sent me. My apology for not being able to reply to all the messages as at the moment, I am rushing to prepare for my performance at Sándor Palace (Residence of Hungarian President) early in the morning,” wrote Long on his facebook page.

The status was short but it was enough to amaze those who have been closely watching every step Long made on his musical journey. What written by Long also conveyed the efforts and enthusiasm of the talented and tenacious guy from Vietnam.

Held for the premier time in 2014, Virtuozok is a classical music competition for young talents. Its contestants includes both musical instruments players and singers of classical songs from Hungary and its neighbor countries.

Unlike other traditional talent shows, the program particularly focuses on classical music education and discovering talents as well as promote and popularize classical music with wider audiences.

The candidates have to go through a nationwide audition before gaining the ticket to proceed to the next rounds.

This year marked the competition’s 4th season. The 4^th Virtuozok was kick started in the beginning of April 2018. Throughout the five rounds, the contestants are required to perform fascinating pieces of classical music, which are able to strongly impress the judge panel and the television audience.

In addition, each contestant has to perform one semi-classical song and one song of common.

In the 2018 season, the contestants were evaluated by 5 leading professors in the field. They are Andras Batta (former director of the Liszt Ferenc Academy of Music), Gergely Keselyak (famous conductor of Hungary), Erika Miklosa (world-renowned opera singer), Janos Balasz (famous pianist of Hungary), Istvan Varda (award-winning cellist). The competition was held under the leadership of the credible program producer Mariann Peller.

Unlike other TV programmes, Virtuozok requires participants’ thorough preparation in terms of both professional skill and mental strength to endure pressure.

The aim of the Virtuozok was to uncover potential talents in classical music and provide the participants with a professional foundation, public attention, the opportunity to challenge themselves and grow.

Ninh Do Hoang Long featured on a Hungarian magazine. (source: Ninh Do Hoang Long's Facebook)

Especially, the programme is sponsored by Hungarian president’s spouse, Mrs.Anita Hercegh, therefore, the finalists are given the chance to perform in a prestigious venue, the President’s residence, Sandor Palace.

The contest was pided into three categories, based on the contestants’ age: The first category is for those who was born between 2002 and 2010; the second category is for those who were born between 1997 and 2002, while the third category is for those who were born between 1989 and 1997.

Totally, all contestants must go through 5 rounds.

In the first round, contestants are required to perform 2 classical songs of their choice.

In the second round, 27 contestants of each category were selected to perform in three days. The judge panel will decide 9 contestants who can enter the next round. The performance is filmed and aired on the Hungarian national television.

In the semi-final round, the competition goes through similar procedure.

In the final round, 9 contestants (3 for each category) are brought together in one event. Each will perform one song, which is live broadcast on Hungarian national television.

During the final round, the judge panel will select one candidate from each category to perform in the Special round.

With his adequate preparation for the contest, Ninh Duc Hoang Long had completed 4 first round effortlessly without any pressure and became the winner of the senior age category on June 2.

After Virtuosos, many new doors will open wide for Long and the contestants. (source: Virtuozos)

In the final round, Long sang two challenging songs: “Romeo Cavatina” in the play “Romeo et Juliette” by Gounod and “Matttinata” by Leoncavallo. His performance had won the hearts of both the judges and audience, and won him the first prize, making the Vietnamese contestant one of the three contestants in the Special round held on June 8.

The Special round, which is held at the President’s Palace, is the stage for three contestants representing three age groups to express their talents via the performance of one classical and one semi-classical song.

After the final round ends, TV audience had one week to vote for the Special round winner.

Although Long didn't win the biggest prize in the Special round, his achievements, as one of the three finalists of Virtouzos 2018 is still absolutely a pride of Vietnam.

Furthermore, the end of Virtuozos also marks the beginning of a new chapter in Long's career, since the program will keep nurturing and support talents like him on the long run./.

( Translated by Phi Yen )