Polish-Canadian pianist Alexandra Streliski, who is considered a trailblazer in the world of modern classical music, will play in the Latvian Radio Studio 1 together with a string duo on November 8. Her minimalistic, emotionally stunning music has captivated audiences around the world as well as garnered critical acclaim and commercial success.
In Riga, Streliski will offer a passionate musical journey into her delicate world as a composer and a great performer. Before that we had a nice conversation on the internet.
It will be a dark northern november when you will perform in the intimate atmosphere of Latvian Radio Studio 1 in Riga. Do you try to bring some light in or enjoy musically the dark autumn feelings?
I actually embrace contrasts quite a lot as a person and as a musician. I believe that beauty lies in balancing opposites. Whether it is having a conversation with someone you disagree with or finding beauty in grief, I think nuances and shades are what make us human and as an artist I am very inspired by that.
Is the Polish descent somehow guilty in your becoming a pianist? There are great classical piano traditions in Poland. Hania Rani is making her international word in neo-classical style as well…
That is a good question. I don’t know if it is the Polish descent per se. On my dad side, there were a lot of jewish musicians who moved west over the years. I was particularly inspired by their story on my latest album. I started to wonder about the notion of origins. Whether we keep within us a certain heritage of culture or of music? If it has the power to cross time. My first piano teacher was Polish though and she had a very big influence on the way I interpret music emotionally. I think that left a big mark as well. My first piano is also a polish brand too (Lodz). And now my musicians on tour are Polish… So yeah, I guess you could say it is playing a part in my culture.
You are being called a trailblazer in the world of neo-classical music. Do you feel like that yourself?
I never see myself as others do. For me playing the piano is simply the most natural thing. Since I am 6 years old, it is a normal part of my life. I do realise now that I have a certain position of privilege and I try to inspire younger pianists to see that it is possible to have a hybrid career, between mainstream and classical, film scores and albums. Just being who you are basically.
Your music is minimalist, but emotionally stunning. It captivates a lot of people around the world, gaining a critical acclaim and commercial success. Do you have your own recipe for such musical feeling?
Unfortunately there is no recipe for this. The truth is you have to be the most sincere with yourself. Learn how to be an open human being. Sensitive, curious. And the sensitivity should translate in your art.
A special role in your career is played by the movies. Your compositions from the debut album Pianoscope, released in 2010, have been featured in several films by renowned Canadian filmmaker Jean-Marc Vallee, including Dallas Buyers Club and Demolition. How that collaboration started?
It actually started very simply. Jean-Marc discovered my music through someone and was drawn to it. It ended up being the “soundtrack” of a few of his projects. He was a very musical director.
Your album Inscape, released in 2018, went on to become the most streamed classical album on Apple Music in the US, went Platinum in Canada and won Instrumental Album of the Year at the 2020 Juno Music Awards. Was it a big surprise for you?
Oh absolutely. In the beginning I thought if we sold 3000 copies it would be a success. This whole album went beyond anything I could expect. It was a life changing record for me.
You released the third album Neo-Romance last year. Is the program in Riga will be based on that?
Yes it will but I will also play some Inscape. I like to revisit my older songs. I will play them with some string arrangements as well.
How do you see your concerts? Critics says it’s a passionate piano journey into your delicate world as a composer and a great solo performer.
I have really been enjoying playing concerts on this tour. I often play with two twin sisters, one on the cello (Julia Kotarba) and one on the violin (Natalia Kotarba) and I really enjoy sharing the stage at this point of my career. I also like to make jokes on stage, break the classical codes a little. For me every night is different and that is what I love in it.
What is music to you?
Music is vital to me. Like air.
And what is the best thing in life?
Oh… There are so many right. Food, friends, family, music. But if I have pick one I would say the most important thing in life is Love. Because ultimately that is what the most beautiful things are made of. And the ones you take with you when you leave this earth.
Interview by music journalist Kaspars Zaviļeiskis
