by Cecilia Mureanu

In which city do you feel at home and what is the meaning of travelling for you?

I feel at home literally everywhere I have a piano. For me, the most fascinating thing about life is being able to learn and explore – aren’t we lucky to be able to travel so quickly nowadays! I find curiosity enriches our lives and opens up new doors in our journey – one never knows where they can lead us to. I adore traveling, packing and living out of a suitcase. I love meeting new people, eating traditional food and sightseeing.

How important is for a musician the appearance on the stage (clothes, look) nowadays? Would it be possible for Clara Haskil to become a star of a great record label in the XXI century?

I believe it is important but not one of the main factors in succeeding to make music. Looks can wow but only for a short while, what stays is the music, the truth. I believe one’s musicianship and personality are far more important. Clara Haskil was always destined to be one of the greatest musicians of all times, and I don’t think anyone ever questioned her appearance on or offstage! I believe nowadays there’s a lot more emphasis on the level of communication from every performer and it’s quite astonishing how many of us spend their free time on social media, interacting with our audiences and trying to reach new ones.

How do you spend your free time and what are your hobbies?

I love cycling, walking, meeting friends and baking from time to time. I honestly don’t have much free time. I enjoy managing my career and creating new exciting projects.

If it hadn’t been music, what other professional field would you have chosen?

I’ve never thought of doing anything else but music! I’ve always dreamt to become a pianist, to travel the world and bring a bit of joy into people’s hearts. It feels wonderful seeing my dream become realty!

Do you collect anything? Is there a domain, a specific activity that you like and which helps you “escape”?

I collect cards – birthday, Christmas, Good luck, Easter, Thank you etc. I receive a lot of them and have never thrown a single one away. I keep them in a special box (or better said, a few boxes!) and I sometimes go through them and smile, remembering the person who sent it, the occasion and the feeling from that particular moment. I escape by dreaming. I am “a dreamer of dreams” as the British poet Arthur O’Shaughnessy said. And I have a lot of faith. In God, in people, in humanity, in the world itself.

How do you succeed in dedicating yourself both to the private life (family) and to the professional life?

To be honest, I don’t separate the two because being a musician is not a profession/job for me. It is a life style that accommodates everything else. I am blessed to have a wonderful husband, family and friends who understand and support me 100%. If I have to perform on New Years Eve, or Christmas or record a new CD on my 30th birthday (as it happened this year!) we celebrate afterwards. And I’m happy!

Is classical music addressed to everyone or just to a small group of insiders? Is it an art that belongs to the elite? Do you consider that a special training is needed for “understanding” the message of this special kind of music?

Classical music speaks from the heart to the heart, it speaks to everyone who is willing to listen. Music education is very important, especially from an early age. But perhaps it’s more about appreciating rather than understanding. I definitely don’t believe it’s elitist. When I was in South Africa, I visited a few poor schools with children from extremely tough family situations. It was simply mind blowing to see how music helps change their lives, makes them believe in better and gives them hope.

What would you recommend to a young man who wants to get closer to classical music ?

Mozart and Chopin. And Rachmaninov and Tchaikovsky. Perhaps don’t start with Wagner’s Ring…

Do you have any superstitions/ small rituals before a concert?

I like to have half an hour before a concert for breathing, without any interruptions. This is the time that I use to concentrate on my music, gathering all energy and keeping the focus. It’s about warming up the heart, dig deep into the emotions- it’s not just about warming up the hands. I always arrange my scores in the order that I am playing in the concert and I never forget my little wooden icon that I take with me on stage. I never go without it.

Which was the most important, related to music, event in your life?

There are a few! Probably my first appearance at the Wigmore Hall and Royal Albert Hall in London, or Concertgebouw in Amsterdam, Carnegie Hall in New York, Teatro Gran Rex in Buenos Aires, World Trade Centre in Dubai or my visit to South Africa. Or performing at Champs Hill Music Room and receiving my very first record deal. In the same time, every concert represents a step forward, an opportunity to better myself and reach a new audience. But meeting every single one of my teachers has to be at the top, because I couldn’t be where I am now without any of them.

Are there music pieces that you are interested in, that you like, butwhich you don’t think that you’ll sing/ play ever?

I think I will wait for a while to play Schubert. I’m not ready yet. But it’s ok – there is time!

What artist/musician from nowadays do you respect the most?

I have so much respect for all my teachers and mentors – feeling incredibly grateful to each and one of them. I simply love Netia Jones’ work and her work has always inspired me.

Do you also listen to other genres of music?

Yes. Anything from jazz to pop to traditional folk music and new music. There is so much out there.

„Music is like air, we have to keep breathing!“