Francesco Stefanelli the San Marinese Eurovision Young Musicians participant has spoken about his expectations ahead of this weekends semi-finals.
Speaking to Euromusica.org Franceso Stefanelli has spoken about what it means to be representing San Marino for a second time at Eurovision Young Musicians. The musician is the first entrant to have returned to the competition for a second time, and will be facing an entirely different hurdle when he takes to the stage in Edinburgh.
Competitive semi-finals have been introduced to the contest since Francesco last took to the stage at the 2016 contest. He explained that;
I’m ready and excited, but a little worried because the qualifications have been introduced this year and therefore will need an extra effort
San Marino has traditionally struggled to qualify from semi-finals of the more well known Eurovision Song Contest, having qualified just once for the final in 2014. The 19 year old performer is hoping to change this;
I know I know, we only qualified once … then I hope to succeed in debunking this taboo, personally I can not wait to perform and keep the colors of my country high
Francesco will perform in the second show of the first semi-final on August 18. He will be performing;
- Penderecki – Violoncello Totale
- Brahms – Allegro vivace from Cello Sonata No 2
- Fauré – Papillon Op.77
- Britten – Moto Perpetuo from Sonata for cello and piano
Viewers in San Marino will be able to watch the semi-finals live via the San Marino RTV web portal.
Source: Euromusica, San Marino RTV
Eurovision Young Musicians has been held bi-annually since 1982. The contest was based on the format of The BBC Young Musician of the Year in the United Kingdom. Performers in the contest must be aged under 18 years and are selected by their participating broadcaster. Each performer performs a piece of classical music of their choice accompanied by the local orchestra. The winner is decided by a jury made up of classical music experts and talents.