Girma Yifrashewa, composer and pianist

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

The thing that inspired me most that led to my career was my childhood and Ethiopia’s traditional musical instruments (Kirar) and the person that influenced my present musical career as a pianist was my professor, Atanas Kurtev.

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

The biggest challenge I’ve faced so far in my career is the lack of exposure towards classical music in my own country.

Which performances/recordings are you most proud of?

One of my most memorable performances was the one that took place in Germany, Leipzig, where I played with the Leipzig Youth Symphony Orchestra (Beethoven Piano Concerto No.2) and one of my preferred recording so far is ‘My Strong Will’ (2023).

Which particular works/composers do you think you perform best?

The composer I think I can play best is Chopin.

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

I do my best to prepare well to have an inspiring performance and I choose my repertoire according to the type of audience I’m playing for.

What do you feel needs to be done to grow classical music’s audiences?

Expose young people to classical music training, especially in Africa.

What advice would you give to young/aspiring musicians?

My advice for the younger generations is that hard work pays off, and to chase your dreams and to love what you do.

What is your most memorable concert experience?

My most memorable concert experience was performing my most recent works at Carnegie Hall in June, 2024.

As a musician, what is your definition of success?

When I see that I have warmed someone’s heart.

What’s the one thing in the music industry we’re not talking about which you think we should be?

What I feel needs to be discussed about more is the importance of music education in a society .

What is your idea of perfect happiness?

Doing what I love doing and seeing others appreciate my works.

Girma Yifrashewa performs music by Emahoy Tsege Mariam Gebru and his own works in the African Concert Series at London’s Wigmore Hall on Saturday 15 March. Information/tickets