A Piano Evening in Brussels: A 15-Year-Old Star Is Born
A truly unforgettable night took place in Brussels for lovers of classical music. Renowned pianist and educator Professor Olga Zdorenko, known for her performances on Europe’s most prestigious stages, brought a very special guest to the concert: 15-year-old Italian composer and pianist Milo Astengo.
I had the chance to attend this magical evening — and even more special, I had the opportunity to interview Milo right after the concert. Watching him perform and then listening to him speak about his musical journey was a powerful experience.
Milo spoke sincerely about how his passion for music began: “My interest in music didn’t appear all of a sudden. It slowly grew inside me until it completely took over,” he said. Though he only started studying with Olga Zdorenko in November 2024, he has already won three international piano competitions. And during the concert, he not only performed works by Italian romantic composers, but also his own original compositions — played with a depth and emotion far beyond his age.
In our interview, Milo opened up about writing his first composition, his dreams for the future, and the feelings he experiences on stage. “Music is the language I speak best,” he told me. “There are things I can’t say with words — but I can always express them through music.”
That night, we didn’t just witness an exceptional performance — we also saw how music can transform a person. Under the guidance of Olga Zdorenko, Milo is growing into an artist with both extraordinary talent and emotional maturity.
There is no doubt we’ll be hearing Milo Astengo’s name much more often in the coming years. And having the chance to meet him at the very beginning of his journey felt like a true privilege.