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Lucas Krupinski - Piano

Interview

1. You graduated with distinction from the Frederick Chopin University of Music in Warsaw under the supervision of Professor Alicja Paleta-Bugaj and Dr. Konrad Skolarski. How do you recall these times and your lasting impressions of these mentors?

The years 2011-2016 were absolutely crucial in my musical development and I consider myself very lucky to have had incredibly inspiring professors, who have guided me towards finding my personal artistic path.

2. Is your family musical?

They are huge music lovers, but I am the first “professional” musician in my family.

3. You have recently been a student of Professor Arie Vardi at Hannover University of Music, Drama and Media. Have you been happy with how this stage of your training proceed?

Professor Arie Vardi is in my opinion one of the best currently living piano professors. Every lesson with him is not really a lesson, but a special experience. He has helped me develop myself not only as a pianist, but also as a musician and a person.

4. You have won numerous prizes and awards. Does anyone particularly stand out for you?

One competition I will never forget is the International Piano Competition in San Marino, where I received 1st Prize and all the special awards - Audience Award, Music Critics Award and Orchestra Award. It was one of the bigger breakthrough moments that opened many new artistic journeys and concerts.

5. You have twice been a laureate of the Polish Minister of Culture and National Heritage Prize for remarkable artistic accomplishments (2013, 2014), amongst other awards and scholarships. How did receiving these honours feel like?

It is always a great pleasure and honour to receive any award, but especially a prestigious one, like the one from the Polish Minister of Culture. It gives motivation for further development and somehow proves that all the work and determination has paid off.

6. Your debut album Espressione has just been nominated for the International Classical Music Awards 2018 in the Solo instrument category. Can you tell us what this album contains and the thoughts behind it?

My debut album “Espressione” was released in January 2017. The CD was inspired by my musical travels to Italy and especially by winning San Marino Piano Competition. It contains works of Haydn, Chopin and Scriabin. It has received excellent reviews from Gramophone, Pizzicato Magazine, MDR Kultur, Radio Luxembourg, Radio France, which I am really happy and proud about.

7. You were the winner of the 7th International Piano Competition in San Marino and all of the contest prizes - The Audience Award, The Music Critics Award and The Orchestra Award (2016). What pieces did you play, what was the audience and your reaction?

The audience was very friendly and motivating, especially during the finals of the competition, where I performed 2nd Piano Concerto of Sergei Rachmaninov. Also the conductor and orchestra gave me a lot of support and belief. When we rehearsed, I could feel the positive energy from the orchestra and I found it very enjoyable to create music with them.

8. What are your fondest musical memories, privately or performing?

I have had many great memories from the past, I believe that being a pianist or a musician gives a person a wonderful opportunity to experience different cultures, meet new people and friends, travel around the world. On the other hand you can sometimes feel lonely, spending a lot of time alone - in the plane, on the stage, after the concert in the hotel. This February I experienced a fantastic artistic journey - from Australia, through Italy and South Korea to the United States and my debut in Carnegie Hall / Isaac Stern Auditorium. Performing in this legendary concert hall was surely one of the most special experiences in my life.

9. How often do your practice?

That depends on the day, weather, when is my next performance etc. I try to practice between 3 to 5 hours a day. I also believe it is very important to have some time off, when you can experience your life in different aspects and find inspiration by other activities.

10. Would you consider teaching in the future?

It is hard for me to predict the future, but I would say that teaching can also give a lot of joy and satisfaction, especially if one has some talented students. If an opportunity arises, I would consider a teaching position in a university, the place I would be aiming for is the Royal College of Music in London.

11. What advice would you give to young musicians at the start of their journey?

I still consider myself young (although I turned 26 three days ago!), so I have still surely much to learn. I have always tried to develop myself fully, not just as a pianist, but in general as a human being. You cannot be a good pianist, if you are not a good musician. And you cannot be a good musician, if you are not a good person. That is at least my opinion. I think it is important to enjoy what you are doing, so many people nowadays don’t enjoy their work and I find it quite sad. I have always dreamt big and I believe that a specific approach to life can actually change it for your favour.

To return to Lucas’s profile:

submission June 2018