Episodes

  • #15 Lina Prokofieff, great granddaughter of Sergei Prokofiev
    Mar 2 2025
    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. Initially drawn to literature, she later studied graphic design in Paris and Brussels. Her professional career began in advertising and the press, but she soon found her true passion in photography, becoming a self-taught artist exhibiting in both Paris and Moscow. In 2018, she discovered the art of embroidery, a turning point that allowed her to reconnect with physical materials in a profound way. She began creating hybrid works, where ink merges with beads and threads, forming compositions that feel organic, almost alive. Then, in 2022, she took another artistic leap, dedicating herself fully to painting. Her first series, Cartes sans territoire (Maps Without Territory), was unveiled in a solo exhibition in Paris, marking yet another evolution in her creative journey. Lina and I share a special connection - not just through the name Prokofiev, but through years of friendship. In this episode, we’ll talk about her path, the inspiration behind her artworks, and what it means to carry such a famous name while forging a unique identity as an artist. And as a special treat, Lina and her family have generously prepared a giveaway for our listeners, which I’ll reveal at the end of the episode - so stay tuned! Follow for more on Instagram: @linaprokofieff @piano_fortissimo_podcast @alexandrasilocea
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    38 mins
  • #14 In Conversation with Eren Yağmuroğlu, Strategic Advisor
    Feb 13 2025
    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 was a guest lecturer at Columbia University of New York in 2019. Reaching younger audiences by visiting universities around the world as a guest lecturer and providing comprehensive details about his cases. His creative vision continues to influence organizations and shape meaningful endeavors towards cultural transformation, creating a more open, reflective community culture, as well as transparent governments and businesses. For me, he is a visionary, a mentor, a driving force on my journey, and a source of support for which I am incredibly grateful.
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    29 mins
  • #13 In Conversation with Stage Director Sinéad O'Neill
    Jan 23 2025
    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.
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    55 mins
  • #12 In Conversation with Conductor Jakub Hrůša
    Dec 23 2024
    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!
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    1 hr and 7 mins
  • #11 Radu Lupu : The Magician
    Dec 1 2024
    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.
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    10 mins
  • #10 In Conversation with Bass Singer Matthew Rose
    Nov 11 2024
    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/
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    36 mins
  • #9 Mariella Bruckner : handling stress, stage fright, and finding balance in a demanding career
    Oct 27 2024
    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, where we also met and worked with each other a couple of years ago. She also trains groups in social skills and runs her own practice in Vienna’s 9th district. She’s passionate about her work and finds great meaning in helping people manage life's challenges and enjoy it more fully. You can learn more about her, her background, and her services on her website: www.mariellabruckner.info I'm so excited to welcome Mariella to the podcast today. We're going to explore the pressures musicians face, and she'll offer insights into managing performance anxiety and maintaining a healthy balance in such a demanding profession. Let’s get started!
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    59 mins
  • #8 Master Concert Piano Technician: Peter Salisbury
    Oct 21 2024
    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 pianists. Peter also extends an invite to YOU so don't miss this inspiring conversation! www.grandpianoservicing.co.uk
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    59 mins