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15 Questions to Kateryna Titova

  Tobias

Hi! How are you? Where are you?
I'm fine. I'm in London and one day is more beautiful than the next!


What’s on your schedule right now?
Have just come back from Mallorca having won first prize in The Rotary International Piano Competition in Palma. But, I actually went there for a holiday. I would wish for the outcome of many competitions to be this way!


Can you still remember the first time you heard a piece of classical music?
Not really. I recall mainly listening to pop-music as a child, which had a good effect on me. I don't recall when I first heard classical music! However, my mother apparently listened to a lot of classical music when she was pregnant with me - so, quite possibly I heard my first classical music then!!


What was the deciding moment, which made you want to become an artist?
I think when I first saw Alla Pugacheva on TV, at the age of four(?)... She was "the Madonna" (pop singer!) of her time - and is still very popular! Apparently, as a child, I would imitate her in front of guests!

 
What’s the hardest part about being a musician and what’s the best?
The hardest part is the many  hours and hours of work (essential for a serious artist) and the best - the joy of giving pleasure to people and myself after a successful concert! Which, actually, happens very rarely! Sadly!

 
Do you consider it important that more young people care for classical music? If so, how, do you think, could this be achieved?
Yes, of course! Schools, of course, but it's difficult to find the right way! More through Internet exposure and the right sort of advertising - showing nice, beautiful young people performing with energy and loving the music they are offering.


How would you rate the importance of the internet and new media for classical music?
Very important - it's the most influential of all media! I repeat, beautiful young people need to be listened to and followed.


With so many different recordings of a particular piece available – how do you keep yours fresh and different?
With nothing but my own, deeply personal and self- inspired feelings.


What constitutes a good live performance in your opinion? What’s your approach to performing on stage?
A good energy between me and my public!


What does the word “interpretation” mean to you?
It doesn't matter HOW I say what I mean -  but HOW convincing I am!


How do you balance the need to put your personal emotions into the music you play and the intentions of the composer?
Firstly, I need to find the spirit and mind of the composer and then to connect with it so that the "interpretation" is mine. This is essential for the serious artist. I know of only one person (who will remain anonymous) who can do entirely his own thing (regardless of the musical requirements) and convince the world!

 
What’s your view on the relationship between musical education and classical music?
We have to find the right balance - too much education can be off-putting. But, the right sort of inspired teaching can achieve everything.


You are given the position of artistic director of a concert hall. What would be on your program for this season?
Interesting and varied programming - so that all sorts of different people will be happy to come to listen. To try to find the right sort of people working for me who will understand and look for new and fresh talent, as well as well-known artists.


How would you describe the relationship with your instrument?
It's a very good and very close relationship, from when I was a very young child. This has always been completely natural and something that was never taught to me! I was self- taught until the age of eighteen!


Have you ever tried playing a different instrument? If yes, how good were you at it?
Yes, I tried to play the Violin (for fun) and that felt natural, too!

Discography:
Rachmaninov (Sony) 2008

Homepage:
Kateryna Titova