Louis Philippson, pianist & composer

Who or what inspired you to pursue a career in music?

Simply my love for the piano. Since  I was very young, I knew that my connection to the instrument was something special.

Who or what have been the most important influences on your musical life and career?

In general my parents, who – although they could not be farther away from musicians career wise (one is a teacher and the other an engineer) – always supported me.

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

My career is in its early stages, so happily I have not encountered major challenges yet, but I suppose in general, piano competitions were not the most fun.

Of which performances are you most proud ?

I am currently the proudest of my concert in the Lanxess Arena in Cologne, which is my home region, with the Antwerp Philharmonic Orchestra.

Which particular works do you think you perform best?

Anything to which  I can add my own twist – not only dynamically, but even actually score wise. Like La Valse by Ravel or even my own arrangements.

How do you make your repertoire choices?

It depends very much on what pieces I am currently a fan of in the moment. Some pieces I have always wanted to play and suddenly I have the time to practice them.  Others I simply find by coincidence.

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

I’d have to say the Olympiahalle Munich or the Antwerp Sportpaleis are amongst my favourite venues. The sound was spectacular, especially considering the size of those venues but moreover the audiences were some of the most charming, warm and energetic that I have ever experienced.

What is your most memorable concert experience?

My first time actually playing a concert in my current career, which was November 2024 in the Sportpaleis Antwerp. I never wanted to step on stage that badly in my entire life!

How would you characterise your compositional language/musical style?

⁠Purely emotional, instinctive and spontaneous. I don’t like to overthink, especially not over rules. I make music to speak from my heart, not to fit into boxes.

How do you work?

It’s mostly me just randomly having a thought that I want to express on the piano. I do so and sometimes I may find myself trying to alter that first thought, although from the past I have learned that doing so doesn’t actually make the piece better. So I try to stick to that first idea, develop it, perfect it to my standards and it’s done!

As a musician, what is your definition of success?

Success is relative, especially for artists.

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

As quite an aspiring musician myself, I’d say the most important thing I learned is to listen to one’s own heart and not to what everyone else has to say. What to wear, play and feel is something only you yourself should determine.

What is the most important issue we should be talking about in classical music that is not currently being addressed?

It is judgement and performative exclusivity. I was brought up with this mindset also. Now I just frown at the stubbornness of many people who consider themselves as “lovers of classical music” and it is this stubbornness that gets in the way of progress.  It is often those who cannot create themselves who have the loudest opinions in this regard.

Where would you like to be in 10 years’ time?

I try not to look into the future as if I can actually affect it from my current standpoint. Things come and go too quickly.

What is your present state of mind?

I am always trying to create. I always have melodies in my head that I want to write down, concepts for my next tour that I want to plan out and video ideas that I want to post. So I’d say I’m always stuck in a whirlwind of creativity.

One of Classic FM’s current ‘Rising Stars’, Louis Philippson releases his second album, My Way, on 12 September.