At a time in his life when people his age are working to fulfill their graduation requirements and attempt to secure an entry-level position, Alex Boulov has achieved international fame.

At 21, the native Moscow cellist is in the midst of his sixth international tour since 2001.

“I don’t feel any different from other people my age,” Boulov says. “I’m just doing what I love. I love to perform.”

A classically trained musician, Boulov began studying the cello at the age of 6.

By the age of 14, his gift was so well developed, he performed at the 70th birthday concert for Mstislav Rostropovich, musical director of the National Symphony Orchestra and world-famous cellist.

Boulov speaks humbly of his accomplishments and honors. He stresses the importance of practice and enjoying what you do.

“This is what I want to do,” Boulov says.

“I like being a soloist and performing. I play pieces differently now than I did five years ago. I’d like to think I improved.”

At age 17, Boulov won first prize in the Young Artists International Auditions in 2001 and is currently traveling the United States on a tour sponsored by the Young Concert Artists Inc.

He will spend a month in the U.S., roughly two weeks at home in Moscow recording, and then continue his tour in Taiwan.

“I like to travel, to tour,” Boulov says. “I enjoy the sightseeing.”

He says there are times when he misses home, usually after the first two weeks of a tour.

But no feeling, even homesickness, compares to the satisfaction of performing. And he shows no signs of slowing down.

Next fall, Boulov intends to enroll at Julliard in a master’s program.

However, he intends to continue touring while completing the program.

Performing for Boulov means performing as a soloist. He is not looking to play with a specific symphony. Boulov says playing solo is more personal.

“I like to connect with my audiences,” he says.

The size and response of the audiences he plays before vary significantly.

Boulov says he has performed in concert halls filled with middle-aged patrons and elementary school assemblies in the same week.

This week for example, Boulov will have done mini-recitals at an Ames area retirement home and elementary school and will play a full concert at the Martha-Ellen Tye Recital Hall.

The size and age of the audience doesn’t matter much to Boulov as long as they are responsive.

“I have played for different audiences in different places,” Boulov says.

“Some, for example the Germans, can be rather silent, cold.”

When an audience is unresponsive, Boulov attempts to work harder.

“I like to hear the yells, the ‘Bravo,’ and the applause,” Boulov says.

He likes to know audiences are connecting with him and the music.

He enjoys playing and he hopes they enjoy listening.

“I may think about teaching, but not until much later. I want to continue traveling,” Boulov says.

“Every time [I go somewhere], I learn something new. It’s always interesting, always different.”

Who: Alexandre Boulov, cello

Where: Martha-Ellen Tye Recital HallWhen: 7:30 p.m. Friday

Cost: $5 ISU students, 18 & under, 65 & older, $10 public