British pianist Isata Kanneh-Mason is taking the world’s concert stages by storm. She kicks off our piano matinee series on Sunday 3 September 2023 at the Bonn Opera.
1. Beethovenfest 2023 is a festival about life. What is important to you in life?
Isata Kanneh-Mason: Music and my close relationships; both contribute to my fulfillment no matter what’s happening externally.
2. You are from a musical family and often perform together with your six siblings. How did you determine at home who had the privilege of playing the piano, of practising loudly?
IK-M: We were lucky enough to have a few pianos and so no-one ever had to compromise. We got used to everyone practising loudly at the same time!
3. When you rehearse together as a family: What will definitely happen or not happen?
IK-M: What will definitely happen is there will be a time when multiple people are trying to make their point at the same time! And then what will definitely not happen is that no-one has any comments at all! There is always something new to improve...
4. At your recital at Beethovenfest you play a piece by Fanny Mendelssohn. Do you view diversity and representation as ongoing issues in classical music?
IK-M: Yes I do. I believe that many more people are now aware of this and I see much more diversity being brought into repertoire choices, but there is still a long way to go.
5. Many artists and we as a festival as well are asking ourselves what our contribution to a more sustainable future should be. Do you already have an answer for yourself?
IK-M: I eat far less meat than I used to and I’m more aware of not being wasteful with things like heating, electricity, water.
