The harmonious melodies that emanate from the fingers of 8-year-old Ruslan and 11-year-old Eva Avdyugin are a testament to their unyielding spirit amidst the upheaval that engulfed their hometown of Odessa, Ukraine. Their promising piano careers, already burgeoning with success, were abruptly transformed by the eruption of war. Despite the perilous circumstances that encircled them, the Avdyugin siblings emerged as resilient champions of their craft.
On the ominous day of February 24, 2022, the trajectory of countless lives was forever altered as conflict erupted in Ukraine, leaving in its wake a trail of destruction and profound loss. In the midst of this tumult, young pianist Ruslan Avdyugin celebrated his seventh birthday, with his sister Eva, aged ten, by his side. Both were enrolled at the prestigious Odessa Music School under the tutelage of Yulia Zabaratskaya, a teacher who recognized and nurtured their exceptional talents. Their exceptional abilities had already earned them numerous accolades, including coveted 1st Place awards at the GEMS International Festival-Competition, garnishing attention from Ukrainian media outlets.
However, the war proved to be a relentless disruptor, upending their lives in ways they could not have foreseen. The shuttering of the Odessa Music School and the departure of their cherished teacher forced them into an uncertain hiatus. The cacophony of constant shelling reverberated in the background, rendering rehearsals and live performances impossible.
Undeterred by the adversities that loomed, the Avdyugin children tenaciously pursued their musical aspirations amidst the shadows of their hometown. Their basement metamorphosed into a rehearsal sanctuary, where they honed their craft amid the echoes of air defense sirens. Video recordings meant for competition entries became a dance of patience, requiring multiple retakes to circumvent the interruptions of blaring alarms.
Through rocket attacks and the symphony of explosions, their resolve remained unbreakable, underpinned by an unswerving passion for music. Ruslan Avdyugin Sr., their father, reflected on their tenacity in the face of adversity, sharing with the Dumskaya news site, “Despite the myriad challenges that have beset us in Ukraine, our children persist in illuminating us with their triumphs… Beyond their innate talent lies Herculean effort, discipline, and an unwavering commitment, a rarity in most contemporary children. Whether or not they choose to tether their future to music, these demonstrated qualities are bound to catalyze their potential and secure triumph in any endeavor.”
Their mother provided further insight, “Like all children, they indulge in play, but only after school, supplementary lessons, music practice, and foreign language studies. Ruslan is self-reliant, content to immerse himself in the realm of his Jedi, requiring minimal external engagement.
Conversely, Eva’s penchant for solitary doll play pales in comparison to her delight in companionship with friends. Yet both share an affinity for reading, their abode replete with children’s literature. A charming challenge presents itself with their grandmother, who endeavors to narrate bedtime stories, only to find that the tales are already well-known to the avid readers. Against all odds, the destinies of these endearing youngsters unfurl like protracted fairy tales with jubilant endings.”
Fast-forward to 2023, guided by their new mentor Ludmila Moskalenko, the siblings are once again gracing live concerts and taking the virtual stage in international online competitions. Ruslan’s accomplishments now include an impressive tally of nine Grand Prix and 17 first-place victories at international piano competitions. Eva, a vessel of innate musicality, has carved her own path to success within piano competitions, further illustrating their extraordinary journey from strife to triumph.
