Illustration 1.jpeg
Photo: NVCC

Eva Gevorgyan - one of the world's most famous pianists said she was very excited about her performance with the Russian National Symphony Orchestra at the Ho Guom Theater on October 12.

- What is the reason you decided to accept the invitation with conductor Cesar Alvarez and the Russian National Symphony Orchestra to attend Vietnam Airlines Classic - Hanoi Concert 2024 in Hanoi this October?

I was delighted to receive an invitation to perform in Hanoi with Maestro Cesar Alvarez. We have known each other for many years and every time I get to go on stage with him, I feel very excited. In this performance, I also have the honor of playing with the Russian National Symphony Orchestra - one of the best orchestras in the world. This is also my first time in Vietnam, so I am even more excited.

Before I agreed to join Vietnam Airlines Classic, I had heard a lot about this wonderful project. With the participation of names such as London Symphony Orchestra, Sir Simon Rattle, Elim Chan..., the program is truly remarkable and international. Every performance in this series is very interesting and spectacular.

4. With a belief in the powerful connection of music, Eva is happy to share the journey of bridging the cultural gap with Vietnamese audiences.jpg
Photo: NVCC

- You have performed in many places around the world but this is your first time in Vietnam, what does that mean to you?

I have always dreamed of coming to Vietnam. I am very interested in Vietnamese culture and always hope to have time to visit many places and try all the local food. I always want to immerse myself in the vibrant atmosphere and see how the audience will respond to my music.

In the concert in Vietnam, I will perform Grieg's Piano Concerto in A minor. I have played this concerto for many years and each time I find something new in the music. This is one of the freshest-sounding piano concertos of Romanticism and I am looking forward to performing it in front of Vietnamese audiences.

This performance is special to me because it represents not only my growth as an artist but also my desire to bridge cultural gaps through music. I have always believed that music has a powerful connecting power and I am excited to share this journey with the Vietnamese audience.

2. Although only 20 years old, Eva Gevorgyan has won many prestigious awards and is considered one of the world's leading pianists.jpg
Photo: NVCC

- At only 20 years old, you have won many prestigious awards and are one of the world's leading pianists. What do you think makes you different from other artists?

This is a very difficult question, but I will try to answer. I always immerse myself in the music I perform. It is like a journey and when it is over, it makes me reflect on the emotions and stories I have just shared.

Illustration 4.jpg
Photo: NVCC

- Conductor Cesar Alvarez once said that you not only have the ability to understand the work and have a very unique way of communicating, but also bring a new vitality of the young generation in your performance. What do you think about that comment?

I am very grateful to Maestro Cesar Alvarez for that compliment. When I listen to the interpretations of the world's great pianists, I never try to copy them, but only look for my own way of playing. I always try to interpret the composer's style while at the same time creating something new and original. For me, achieving this balance is the most difficult.

- When did your journey to piano begin? What are the most important milestones in your career?

I knew from an early age that I would become a musician. My mother studied viola at the Moscow Conservatory and our house was always filled with music. At the age of 3, I asked my mother for a violin, but because I didn't like the sound, I quickly took it apart. And then my mother told me: "Now there's only the piano, and it will be very difficult to break it." It's a funny story, but it shows that from an early age I was fascinated by music and especially the sound of the piano.

At the age of five and a half, I entered the Central Tchaikovsky Music School of the Moscow State Conservatory. My teacher at that time was Kira Shashkina - the first teacher of the artist Mikhail Pletnev. She taught me from then until her retirement, and then, at the age of 13, I entered the class of Natalia Trull. During those years of studying piano, awards at competitions such as Cleveland and Cliburn Junior were all milestones, big steps forward for me.

- Looking back on your journey with the piano, what do you think was the most difficult time and how did you overcome it?

That's when I realized I was no longer a child and only I could decide my life and career.

- What was special about your childhood?

I went to a special music school where I had a lot of music lessons from the first grade. I also started competing and traveling around the world at a very young age. I still remember playing a Mozart piece at my first competition in the Czech Republic when I was 6 years old.

Illustration 2.jpeg
Photo: NVCC

- What do you think about the nicknames "child prodigy", "beauty queen" of the world classical music village given to you?

I think these are all interesting but also somewhat limiting monikers. Calling someone a “prodigy” highlights their incredible talent, but can also put pressure on them to feel like they have to always strive for perfection. I think it’s important for young artists to grow and explore their art without feeling trapped by a label.

“Beauty Queen” is a term that glorifies glamour and looks, but that is only part of the performance. If that title is all it takes away from the hard work and dedication behind the artist’s music, I believe it is much more meaningful to recognize artists for their unique contributions and the passion they bring to the art form.

Quoc Tuan (Implementation)