All ultra, Anastasia Kobekina?

Ultra virtuoso cellist and extremely likeable person: Shooting star Anastasia Kobekina has already conquered the hearts of the 2023 festival. This year she returns to Beethovenfest as a Resident Artist for four concerts. We asked her about the ultra-moments – in her career and in her life.

What was the craziest place you’ve ever performed?

The craziest place was a zoo! The concert was in a sea lion enclosure. Unfortunately there were no sea lions in the audience, but the other animals in the area kept commenting loudly on my music.

What is the fastest piece you can play?

Probably Niccolò Paganini’s Caprices for violin. They are very fast and crazy! But you can speed up any piece of music, the question is why?

What was your funniest concert experience?

I love playing for children – there’s always something going on. Sometimes they start wrestling, dancing or conducting in the front row. Or they imitate me playing. I especially love playing contemporary music for children. They don’t have the same preconceptions as adults. I often ask them how they imagined the music.

What is your earliest childhood memory?

I remember sitting under my father’s piano and trying to distract him from composing an opera!

What was the most expensive instrument you ever held in your hands?

My own cello, actually, a Stradivarius! My absolute treasure. This unique instrument from 1717 has been played by Pablo Casals and Sol Gabetta in recent years.

Where do you feel most happy?

When I’m with my favourite people. And when someone compliments me on my hobbies, photography or knitting!

Is there anything in your life that you would say you are »ultra« at?

I am ultra in love! A feeling I can’t measure.