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15 Questions
Hi! How are you? Where are you?
I am writing music for Metaphor at my home in Los Angeles.
What’s on your schedule right now?
Metaphor is my big commitment at the moment. We are in the process of organizing a world tour for the beginning of next year which will begin in Australia, China and South East Asia.
If you hadn’t chosen music, what do you think you would do right now?
What I would want to do is be an equestrienne, treasure hunter or cordon bleu chef. Whether I could actually make a living out of those things is another matter.
What or who was your biggest influence as an artist?
As a concert pianist, Vladimir Horowitz, as a rock group, Green Day, and as an entertainer, Elton John.
What’s the hardest part about being a musician and what’s the best?
The most difficult thing about being a musician is succeeding at the level you are aiming for. The best is the lifestyle ... music, travel, performing.
What’s your view on the classical music scene at present? Is there a crisis?
No. It is just evolving, and there is nothing wrong with that. Classical music needs to embrace technology in terms of marketing and sales to make it financially viable. Classical crossover is growing at an incredible rate as it creates new sounds and audiences.
Some feel there is no need to record classical music any more, that it’s all been done before. What do you tell them?
I can never get enough of my favorite artists and will always buy their latest albums.
What constitutes a good live performance in your opinion? What’s your approach to performing on stage?
A good performance must be visually and sonically exciting. The needs of the audience must be considered. High production values can help draw new audiences to classical music.
What does the word “interpretation” mean to you?
The way you express yourself, and the intentions of the composer simultaneously.
True or false: It is the duty of an artist to put his personal emotions into the music he plays.
True. An audience loves the artist as well as the composer and music, and wants to hear what they have to say too.
True or false: “Music is my first love”
True. But I have since found others.
True or false: People need to be educated about classical music, before they can really appreciate it.
Some experimental forms of classical music can only be understood through a certain level of education. But there is plenty that can be enjoyed with no education, just an open mind.
You are given the position of artistic director of a concert hall. What would be on your program for this season?
Of course I am going to say Metaphor. Apart from that, I would try to create events that can cater to all publics ... some serious for established concert goers, and others with guests such as Andre Rieu, or The Rolling Stones, which would create publicity and build new audiences.
What’s your favourite classical CD at the moment?
Alexei Sultanov, Rachmaninoff Piano Concerto No. 2.
Have you ever tried playing a different instrument? If yes, how good were you at it?
Recorder in grade 4, violin for 6 months. Apparently I was “too small” to play violin; I was told the same thing for piano. Guess I proved them wrong!
Discography:
Fingers
Famous Stuff
Pictures at an exhibition
Las Vegas Show
Homepage:
Ali Wood
Ali Wood and Metaphor
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