No Fate is Sealed
Małgorzata Wende talks to Katarzyna Popowa-Zydroń, member of the Jury of the 16th International Chopin Piano Competition...
Małgorzata Wende talks to Katarzyna Popowa-Zydroń, member of the Jury of the 16th International Chopin Piano Competition
Małgorzata Wende: This is your first time taking part in the deliberations of the Chopin Competition jury. Are you nervous?
Katarzyna Popowa-Zydroń: I wouldn't call it nerves, but excitement, because this is a very interesting experience.
M W:What are your memories of the last competition, won by your student, Rafał Blechacz?
K P-Z:Well, what do you think? I have good memories, I think that's obvious.
M W: But you often say that you are less than enthusiastic about competitions.
K P-Z: True, but on the other hand, there is no alternative. If a young person wants to break out, he or she has to perform, especially at such important competitions as this one. Even though it may not be the best way, it may be the only way.
M W:What advice would you give to the competitors?
K P-Z: I would tell them not to treat the competition verdict as the final opinion about their artistic and professional life. Those who win prizes must know they need to continue working hard, while those who feel defeated must remember they have their entire lives before them. This verdict will be the result of their work and development; it defines where they are now, but it need not define the rest of their life and position in 5, 10, or 30 years. They should keep that in mind.
M W:Would you give them any technical advice?
K P-Z:That is a very individual matter. Every young pianist prepares in his or her own way for such an important performance. I can only give advice to those I know.
Katarzyna Popowa-Zydroń interviewed by: Małgorzata Wende, October 2010.
This article comes from the current edition of the "Chopin Express" gazette published for the 16th International Fryderyk Chopin Piano Competition in coooperation with the Adam Mickiewicz Institute and "Gramophone" magazine.
Other articles of interest:
Opening Jitters
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