Samir Abdurazakov, a talented young pianist of international caliber, finalist of the prestigious Unga Solister competition in Sweden, and nominee for the international title of Young Steinway Artist, is only 16 years old. Recently, Samir visited Asia-Plus Radio and shared insights into how he entered the world of music, what it's like to be a star at such a young age, and how he manages to find time for hobbies amid a packed schedule.
Born into a musical family, Samir first sat at a piano at the age of five and, by 12, was already a finalist in one of the most prestigious competitions. Today, he performs on stages across Europe, the USA, and other parts of the world. This year, Samir received a nomination for the distinguished international title of Young Steinway Artist, awarded to only the most exceptional young pianists. During his visit to Asia-Plus, Samir was accompanied by his father, Nissor Abdurazakov, a pianist and photographer.
Music in the womb
Q. Nissor, how often do you visit Tajikistan?
A. "I try to come every year since childhood. I can't recall a single year we haven't been here. Despite my children being born in Sweden, I want them to experience their historical homeland. We have visited places like Khujand and Samarkand so they can truly feel connected to their roots. Samir loves it here, he counts the days until we leave for Dushanbe. He enjoys the food, the weather, everything. It makes me happy to think that when Samir grows up, he will always return here to give concerts."
Q. As a pianist and educator, you raised Samir in a musical environment. When did he first sit at the piano?
A. "He actually heard music while still in the womb because my wife would come with me to all my rehearsals. I have a private piano school in Gothenburg, Sweden, with 36 students. We always have rehearsals, concerts, and preparations for competitions and festivals. Even when my wife was pregnant, she helped me, and Samir would hear the music during those rehearsals. After he was born, he was always at concerts, even if he wasn't playing. When he was three, he would run on stage to get flowers at the end of the concert with all the students. He loved it, and so did I. But I intentionally didn't want him to start too early. I wanted him to simply enjoy being a child and listening to music until he was five."
Samir with his father Nissor Abdurazakov
Q. Samir, did you ever want to be just a child and not play the piano?
A. "At first, it was a bit unfamiliar to maintain the rhythm of practice, but over time, it became easier. Now, I try to find time for other hobbies too."
Q. How much time do you spend playing the piano each day?
A. "It depends on school, but on average, it's about 5-6 hours a day."
Q. Being born into a musical family, did you feel that music was your destiny, or did you ever have doubts?
A. "Maybe in the beginning, I didn't think much about it, but now, I’m happy with it."
Support from Shahidi
Q. Samir, you come from a very creative family. Your grandfather, Habibullo Abdurazakov, is a popular actor in Tajikistan, and your father, Nissor Abdurazakov, is a pianist and photographer. With such a family background, was it difficult to choose another profession?
A. "Yes, of course, the mountains, nature, everything here inspires me. The weather, the home where I live now—these places bring me joy. When it comes to food, I didn’t like mantu or plov when I was younger, but now I’m starting to enjoy them more."
Q. Do you find inspiration in Tajik composers? Do you ever use their works for inspiration?
A. "Recently, we started learning a new piece by Tolib Shahidi. It’s very interesting. We are preparing his prelude and postlude for a concert in Dubai. Alongside works by Liszt, Chopin, Balakirev, and Tchaikovsky, we will perform two pieces by Shahidi."
Q. What does it mean to you to have the support of a legendary figure like Tolib Shahidi?
A. "It's a huge motivation, and we are very grateful to him for his help."
Q. Was he a strict mentor?
A. "When I worked with him, he was very kind and pleasant."
Q. When you were 12, you dreamed of holding your own concert in Dushanbe. Does that dream still live on?
A. "We’ve already planned a concert with the General Director of the Opera and Ballet Theater. Samir met him personally, and we had a good conversation. We’ve decided that Samir will perform at the closing of the 2026 season. He will play Rachmaninoff’s Second Piano Concerto."
The Young Steinway Artist Award
Q. This year, Samir was nominated for the Young Steinway Artist title. How did it feel to receive such a nomination?
A. "It was really nice. It's a very prestigious award."
Q. How do artists get nominated for this title?
A. "It's a funny story. I knew about the award but never considered applying. But when Samir won first place at the Steinway competition in Sweden as a young child, they took notice. They asked for a video of him, and we sent his CV. Soon after, I received a letter confirming that Samir had been approved for the Young Steinway Artist title. I was shocked—it gave me confidence. It means we’re doing something right if it’s recognized by an international jury."
Q. What does it mean to have a Steinway piano?
A. "A Steinway is the best piano. The most famous pianists in the world play on Steinway. Even Rachmaninoff was a Steinway Artist. But the pianos are very expensive, which is why we started a fundraising campaign for Samir’s Steinway on GoFundMe. Hopefully, through concerts, we’ll raise the necessary funds."
Success and challenges
Q. What does success mean to you, Samir?
A. "For me, success is winning a competition and proving to myself that I played a piece that once seemed difficult."
Q. With your busy schedule, do you have any time for hobbies?
A. "Of course, it’s important to rest and learn about other things. I always try to find time to see my friends. I love football, watching sports, and playing games. On weekdays, I don’t have much time because I finish late, but on weekends, I have the whole day."
Q. If you hadn’t become a musician, what field would you have chosen?
A. "I would have gone into sports. I’ve loved football my whole life."
Samir Abdurazakov’s journey as a young virtuoso continues to unfold with impressive achievements. With the support of his family and mentors, he is poised to make an even greater impact in the world of classical music.
