A Dream in Every Note: The Musical Journey of Esjana Komini
- WOMCO
- Jul 11
- 3 min read
Esjana Komini was awarded the First Prize and Muzio Clementi Special Prize
for Outstanding Musicality in the Youth (Age 11-13) category of the 2025 Season 2 Clementi International Music Competition.
Can you introduce yourself and share how you got into music?
My name is Esjana Komini, I’m 13 years old and currently in the 6th grade. I live in Durrës, Albania.
My journey into music started when my parents enrolled me in a music school. When the teachers introduced us to the different instruments, I immediately chose the piano — it felt like the right one for me.
At the time, my parents bought me a small keyboard from a secondhand shop, but I started dreaming of having a bigger piano. I began saving money in a little jar — the small coins that relatives gave me for snacks, cookies, or chocolate.
After almost a year, I realized the amount I had saved wasn’t enough. Then, my father added the rest, and together we bought a digital piano — as much as our family could afford.
That moment meant everything to me. It made me appreciate my piano even more and love music with all my heart.
Could you tell us more about your award-winning work?
I studied Sonata No. 16 in C major, K.545 by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart with great joy and love. From the moment my teacher introduced the piece to me, I felt as if it had been written just for me. While playing it, I experienced a deep sense of peace, and it often felt like my fingers were moving on their own — I was fully present, heart and soul, within the notes and sounds.
Preparing this piece required a lot of patience and focus, but every moment of practice was truly rewarding. Alongside regular lessons and rehearsals, I also recorded a video performance for the competition. Compared to previous times, I felt very calm — even I couldn’t quite understand what was happening with me.
The video was recorded in my school’s piano room, with my mother’s help filming it using her phone and a tripod. It was a simple setup, but very meaningful to me, and I gave my whole heart in that performance.
What do you believe defines a great pianist, and how do you incorporate your unique style into your music?
I believe a great pianist is not just someone who plays without mistakes, but someone who brings the music to life and touches people’s hearts. Sensitivity, dedication, and understanding the meaning behind every note are all essential.
I always try to be myself when I play. Even though I’m still learning, I do my best to express my emotions in every piece. Music is my way of speaking without words — of showing what I feel inside. I don’t want to just play a piece technically; I want it to come alive in my hands, because in my heart and soul, it already lives.
Would you like to share your experience participating in our competition and anyone you’d like to thank?
I have participated in many online competitions, and each one has been a unique and challenging experience for me. The Clementi Competition was one of the most important, where I had the opportunity to present my music to an international jury.
I sincerely thank my piano teacher for her dedication and patience, as well as the teachers of the “Jan Kukuzeli” Music School in Durrës, who have supported me every step of the way.
Most of all, I thank my father, who motivates me emotionally and supports me financially, making sacrifices so I can be happy and continue moving forward on this journey.
I also thank my mother, who gives me strength and confidence to follow my dream and is always my greatest support.
Biography
My name is Esjana Komini, I am 13 years old and I come from Durrës, Albania. I started elementary school at the age of 8, and that same year, when I entered first grade, I began playing the piano. I am very passionate about classical music. I have participated in many online competitions and have won several awards. My piano teacher has supported me greatly throughout my musical journey, and I always strive to give my best in every performance.
