Anna Levy, pianist

Who or what inspired you to pursue a career in musicand who or what have been the most important influences on your musical life and career?

My greatest inspiration came from my teachers at school and university. Their humility and commitment to music set an example for me.

What have been the greatest challenges of your career so far?

The greatest challenge for me resulted from my emigration to Canada, where, as an unknown, I had to start everything from the beginning. It has been a long journey.

Which performances/recordings are you most proud of?

The most proud performance has been our recreation of Alexander Scriabin’s “Mysterium” which combined his music with visuals and poetry. We took our performance on a European tour where we presented it in Zurich, Sofia, Tel Aviv, and at the composer’s museum home in Moscow.

Which particular works do you think you perform best?

I love to perform those works that convey power spiritual, social or political messages (for example, works by Schnittke, Kancheli, and Raskatov).

What do you do off stage that provides inspiration on stage?

Searching the repertory, doing the background research and putting it all together provides the inspiration for a performance.

How do you make your repertoire choices from season to season?

We seek out particular and relevant themes to present musically, then organize the concert around those themes.

Do you have a favourite concert venue to perform in and why?

Our standard venue is Vancouver’s Annex Performing Theatre, which is familiar to us and has all the amenities.

What do you feel needs to be done to grow classical music audiences/listeners?

We believe that offering listeners new, exciting and different music to try to stimulate their curiosity.

What is your most memorable concert experience?

In hindsight, the performance of Scriabin’s “Mysterium” at his museum in Moscow.

As a musician, what is your definition of success?

Overcoming the challenges of a performance and the prospect of improving with each successive concert.

What do you consider to be the most important ideas and concepts to impart to aspiring musicians?

To set a personal example for emulation.

What is your most treasured possession?

My grand piano, a seven foot German Sauter with a beautiful sound that inspires me for every performance.

What is your present state of mind?

I think I am happy and hope to continue.