Evelyne Berezovsky, 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?

I was born into a musical family, so music was simply part of everyday life — there was almost no choice! Although I was never forced to play, I loved it and was tutored for many hours a day by my paternal grandfather.

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

The greatest challenges of my life have been the greatest challenges of my career. Emotional upheaval  and heartbreak have been incredibly destabilising, and stability is essential for performing at your best. In the short term, it can feel damaging, but in the long run I think it has, and continues to shape the way I express myself for the better.

Which performances/recordings are you most proud of?

The recording I’m most proud of conveniently got lost on a single USB — it was Rachmaninov 1, which I’ve talked about in previous interviews.  It felt special because I was so well prepared that I experienced a real sense of freedom to improvise and take risks, something I find particularly rewarding within the context of performing a concerto. 

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

Being of Russian heritage, I think I have a natural affinity for Russian composers — Rachmaninov, Tchaikovsky, Scriabin, etc.

But I also really love performing Mozart — there’s a simplicity and joy in his works that I don’t experience with any other composer.

I’m also drawn to Ravel’s harmonies and Schumann’s constantly shifting emotional world, which I relate to.

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

I don’t really make specific choices — I follow my intuition and whatever I’m curious to discover in that moment. But there is one piece which I never get tired  of programming and will keep playing – La Valse by Ravel. Every time I play it I discover something new, and it always leads to a cathartic experience on stage!

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

I don’t have a single favourite, but I do love the Southbank Centre as a space. I would love to perform one of Rachmaninov’s concertos at the Royal Festival Hall one day.

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

I mostly listen to music from non-classical genres — not only do I enjoy it, but I find it helps me stay fresh in my approach and interpret the music I play with more spontaneity and emotional immediacy. 

What is your most memorable concert experience?

Playing Scriabin sonata in the grand hall of the Moscow Conservatory! The nerves I felt made it one of the most memorable, for sure.

As a musician, what is your definition of success?

For me, success is the feeling of complete immersion on stage — a loss of self where music exists without effort or self-consciousness. Maybe it’s the closest I’ve gotten to a meditative state, but I’m alright with that! 

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

A lot of my friends and colleagues are already doing it – being more engaging with the public through socials and bringing back an element of fun and spontaneity to music making, which I feel has been lost. Also more creative programming – I would personally love to experience or curate more concerts myself where classical, jazz, and folk traditions can coexist naturally. 

But in any case classical music will never die — it’s too great to. 

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

The toll that the pressures and loneliness of this profession can take on one’s mental health. There are still very few support structures, and I would love to help create stronger communities where musicians can genuinely support one another.

What advice would you give to young or aspiring musicians?

If you get knocked out of a competition, don’t stay in your hotel room. Go out, see the city, take some pictures. Some of my best memories were made on the back of so-called failures. And remember that great things take time.

What’s next? Where would you like to be in 10 years?

Surrounded by family, friends, art, and dogs.

What is your idea of perfect happiness?

Romantic love, great friendships, and a sense of creativity that flows freely — not only at the piano, but also through photography, creating music videos for my own recordings, writing electronic music, and making things with my hands.

What is your most treasured possession?

I have so many little trinkets that it’s hard to choose. My vintage 1950s powder compact is one of them — I always feel ready to conquer the world after using it.

What is your present state of mind?

Curious about the future.

Evelyne Berezovsky performs in London on 14 March for Mosaic Season’s ‘Music of Our Time’, a celebration of contemporary piano works at Bechstein Hall. Together with pianists Edna Stern and Louis-Victor Bak, Evelyne Berezovskywill perform a range of works by living composers, allowing audiences to hear a selection of different works by different musicians. Curated by composer Tatiana Svetlova, Founder & Artistic Director of Mosaic Seasons, the concert showcases the breadth of piano music being composed in the 21st century.

Buy tickets here: https://bechsteinhall.com/events/music-of-our-time/