Ingrid Fliter, 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?

My parents were the first to inspire my love for music. They filled our home with classical music, opera, and that atmosphere shaped me from the very beginning. Their support and passion made music feel like a natural language to me.

Over the years, many influences have deepened that foundation—wonderful teachers who guided me, meeting extraordinary artists such as Martha Argerich, Zoltán Kocsis, Vladimir Bakk, was also transformative—those encounters changed my life and left an indelible mark on my musical journey. Listening to recordings by singers such as Christa Ludwig and Fischer Diskau are among my most fulfilling and happy moments of musical discoveries.

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

The awareness that every day is a new challenge. It’s not just about maintaining what I have already achieved, but about constantly improving, approaching each objective and performance with the utmost dedication and passion.

Every day demands discipline, focus and strong motivation because the journey in music is always evolving and requires continuous growth, both technically and artistically. This daily work, made up of small progress, moments of fatigue and doubts, discoveries, is what ultimately allows us to deliver authentic and engaging performances to the audience.

Which performances/recordings are you most proud of?

Probably the complete Chopin Waltzes CD.

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

Chopin, Schumann, and Beethoven at the moment.

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

Teatro Colón in Buenos Aires and Wigmore Hall in London.

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

Painting and my love for nature both nurture my vital energy enormously. However, I do not have enough time to dedicate to both as much as I would like.

What is your most memorable concert experience?

The final stage of the Chopin Competition in Warsaw in 2000. An unforgettable emotional experience.

As a musician, what is your definition of success?

Achieving freedom of expression, finding your own voice and letting go of the worries of being accepted or appreciated by others.

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

Bringing classical musical education in early ages, in primary schools, teaching kids that music is a common language of communication that helps understand your deeper self.

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

When it comes to pianists, the question of playing with the score or from memory is still widely debated. Nowadays, there is certainly more acceptance and allowance for playing with the score than there was in the past. However, a common perception remains that if a pianist uses the score during a performance, it implies they are not skilled enough, not well-prepared, or somehow less deserving of respect, which is far from the truth.

In reality, playing with the score should be seen as a personal and artistic choice, free from traditional pressures or stigmas. Each pianist should have the freedom to decide what best allows them to express the music authentically and confidently. Embracing this individuality can enrich performances and expand what is considered acceptable in our evolving artistic landscape.

What advice would you give to young or aspiring musicians?

My advice to young or aspiring musicians is to cultivate passion and patience above all. Music is a lifelong journey that demands continuous learning, practice, and resilience. Embrace every challenge and setback as a valuable part of your growth.

Develop a strong foundation in technique, but never lose sight of the emotional and expressive aspects of music. Always strive to connect deeply with the pieces you play and the audiences you perform for.

Also, be open to exploring different styles and experiences, as versatility can enrich your artistry and open doors. Surround yourself with supportive mentors and peers who inspire you, and remember to take care of your physical and mental well-being—both are essential for a sustainable career.

Finally, trust your own voice and artistic choices. Authenticity is what ultimately makes a musician stand out

Please tell us more about what audiences can look forward to at your upcoming performance at the London Piano Festival.

Please come to listen to some wonderful repertoire hopefully played in such a way that you’ll feel happy, rewarded and inspired.

What is your idea of perfect happiness?

Understanding things that I don’t understand

Ingrid Fliter performs music by Beethoven and Chopin in a solo recital (10 October) and Albeniz, Smetana and Mozart in the Two Piano Gala (11 October) at the 10^th anniversary edition of the London Piano Festival, running from 9-12 October at Kings Place. Find out more

Artist image: Gary Houlder