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Sergei Prokofiev’s music has been a defining part of my artistic journey. His bold, imaginative, and deeply expressive works have shaped my professional life, and I’ve had the privilege of recording some of his most amazing piano pieces as my debut cd recording back in 2011. But today, we explore another side of the Prokofiev legacy - one that is just as creative, just as thought-provoking, and deeply personal.

My guest for this episode is Lina Prokofieff, the great-granddaughter of the legendary composer!

Born in Moscow in 1981, Lina moved to Paris with her family at the age of nine....

My next guest on the Piano Fortissimo Podcast is the fantastic Eren Yağmuroğlu, member of esteemed institutions like the Recording Academy Grammy Awards since 2015 and the International Academy of Digital Arts & Sciences since 2020 and strategic advisor known for his contributions in creating, leading and driving organizations, brands and societies. He has made significant contributions to renowned artists and organizations, including Fazıl Say as community and productions manager, and StillArt as brand manager.

He actively participates in the Harvard Business School Online Istanbul Chapter and has been contributing to the Harvard Business School Online Community since 2016. Yagmuroglu...

Episode 13 with wonderful Stage Director Sinéad O'Neill, an authentic conversation on what it means to direct an opera production, on inspiration, motherhood and so much more.
It is also my first guest challenging me with some questions.

Designated Music Director of the Royal Ballet and Opera, Covent Garden London from 2025, Chief Conductor of the Bamberg Symphony & Principal Guest Conductor of the Czech Philharmonic, Jakub Hrůša has been celebrated for his work with some of the most renowned orchestras and institutions worldwide, including Vienna Philharmonic, Berlin Philharmonic, Concertgebouw, Mahler Chamber Orchestra, Chicago Philharmonic and many more.

Grab a cup of your favorite drink and join us on this beautiful, warmhearted and authentic conversation!

Radu Lupu • The Magician, an episode dedicated to Radu on what would have been his 79th birthday, November 30. The impact Radu has had on my trajectory, how we met and what we worked on, all this with excepts from the newly launched book “In Memoriam Radu Lupu” where I had the honor and joy of sharing my memories.

Celebrating a small milestone with Episode 10 of the Piano Fortissimo Podcast, featuring my wonderful friend and extraordinary bass singer, Matthew Rose!
In this relaxed conversation, we discuss his approach to performance, managing pressure, and the art of connecting with audiences. Matthew also shares his passion for mentoring the next generation, along with insights into his latest project, Folkestone on Song. Tune in to discover how and when you can apply to work with Matthew and other esteemed artists.

More information:
https://www.soundsfolkestone.co.uk/initiatives/folkestone-on-song/

Welcome to episode 9 of the Piano Fortissimo Podcast! Today, we're diving deep into a topic that resonates with many musicians: handling stress, stage fright, and finding balance in a demanding career. My guest is Mariella Bruckner, an experienced psychotherapist and coach who has worked extensively with artists and performers. She combines her knowledge of life balance and stress management with a unique perspective on the specific challenges that creative professionals face.

Mariella has nearly 20 years of experience teaching at the University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna, where she works with students at the Institute for Cultural Management,...

In this episode, I’ll be joined by Peter Salisbury, a master concert piano technician with nearly five decades of expertise. Starting his career as an apprentice at Steinway London at just 16, Peter worked alongside technicians responsible for the pianos of legendary figures like Claudio Arrau and Vladimir Horowitz. His career spans prestigious companies like Bösendorfer and Fazioli, and for nearly 30 years, he’s served as Senior Concert Piano Technician at London’s Royal Festival Hall.

In this episode, we’ll delve into Peter’s incredible journey, his mastery of piano sound, and his reflections on working with some of the world’s greatest...

This episode is particularly close to my heart as it marks my upcoming debut performance at the National Gallery in London on the 10th of October 2024, in honor of 85 years since Myra Hess’s legendary wartime concerts. I couldn’t think of a more fitting guest to join me in celebrating this milestone than the renowned journalist and author Jessica Duchen.

Jessica Duchen held editorial posts with several music magazines, including editing Britain’s first independent piano magazine, before going freelance to concentrate on writing. Following 12 years with The Independent up to 2016, she now contributes to the Sunday Times,...

A candid conversation with internationally acclaimed pianist Saskia Giorgini, where she reflects on the evolving role of pianists and what fuels her enduring passion for music.