I have dedicated my 20s to deepening my understanding in piano and putting it to test by entering numerous competitions. I simply did not have time to deviate my attention elsewhere. Now that I am done with competitions (largely thanks to the Telekom Beethoven Competition), I am starting to resume my interest in composing and conducting, because I now have the mental capacity to do so.
At the 2022 Beethovenfest, you’ll be on stage as a composer, a conductor AND a pianist. How would you describe yourself – are these three parts of your artistic career coexisting equally?
Beethoven - for you more a composer or more a pianist?
Composer of course. He was a phenomenal, versatile composer who could write anything for any instrument.
Your new composition is called »Broadway« and is part of a larger series of pieces dedicated to cities. What's up with that?
By entering many competitions and performing, I inevitably had to travel a lot. I was amazed by how countries and cities were unique in their own ways. The one thing about composition is that it can be perhaps the most subjective. This orchestral suite dedicated to cities would be a portrayal of my life and feelings, and »Broadway« (New York) would be the piano transcription of the first piece of the suite.
… and will Bonn be featured in the near future as well? 😉
Does Köln/Bonn airport count? ;) If so, definitely!
Bonn, as the city of Beethoven's birth, is of course very closely connected with him: What did it mean to you to play Beethoven directly at his birthplace?
Beethoven is undoubtedly my #1 idol, and it was probably the most special musical experience I have ever had in my life. I am looking forward to coming back to Bonn to not only play his work, but also my new work!
