When he's not involved in music, nature attracts him. The two started playing music together this year, and plan to perform together in the Shostakovich piano trio. Then practicing cello takes time, and so does preparing for still more competitions. Kwiatkowski finds virtue in readying musical material for competition. You have to select a program, and prepare it well.
Competitions are good for learning new pieces.
Technique is basic, but beyond this, good music must be made. You have to practice something. So why not practice for the competition. Program includes works by Chopin, Barber, de Falla, and Francoeur.