Illia Ovcharenko, 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 journey in music began when I was six years old. My mother took me to my first symphonic concert in my hometown – Chernihiv, Ukraine, and I was completely blown away. I told her I wanted to be a pianist immediately after, and that was the moment it all started. Over the years, I’ve been inspired by many great pianists and sometimes the taste changes from time to time. But if I had to name a few, Vladimir Horowitz was a hero of mine as a child. I also find myself listening to Sviatoslav Richter and Emil Gilels a lot for inspiration.

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

I think the biggest challenge so far has simply been the process of growing and gaining experience and maturity. I’ve become much more confident as a musician, but I know there is still so much to learn. It’s a journey, and I’m always striving to get better.

Which performances/recordings are you most proud of?

I feel so happy each time I go on stage and it’s very difficult to pick. That said, I would like to highlight my album “Whispers & Thunder” (Steinway & Sons, 2025) of some of the lesser known composers from Ukraine as it represents the culture that shaped me since my childhood. Those are pieces by Sergey Bortkiewicz, Levko Revutsky, Borys Lyatoshinsky and Valentyn Silvestrov. I hold each and every one of them very close to my heart.

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

I feel a deep personal connection to the works of the Romantic era in general and at the moment I am very much obsessed with Schumann.

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

I always try to be sincere to the music itself. When I’m planning a program, I like to tell a story through it that really speaks for itself. For example, the key in which compositions are written matters, or the pieces are somehow connected by the history of the composers, etc.

Of course, one of the most important aspects is just truly loving the pieces I choose, and I am very sincere in my personal choices.

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

I’m active in sports (though much less than before), love watching tennis, and I also love practicing origami. When I perform, I hope to give people a brief escape from their troubles, some relief and happiness.

What is your most memorable concert experience?

I would say Martha Argerich performing Ravel Piano Concerto in G-major with the Israel Philarmonic, as it’s been the very first time that I witnessed her performing and coincidentally the very first time I attended the performance of one of the living legends of piano playing.

As a musician, what is your definition of success?

Success is a very personal thing for everyone.

For me, each time being on stage, each time being able to perform such beautiful music and trying to convey in the best way possible composer’s wishes front of an enthusiastic audience, always feels like a little success!

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

I believe classical music will always be relevant. Pieces like Beethoven’s symphonies are profound statements about life, death, and the human condition. The ability to convey such deep emotions without words is an incredible skill, and I think that power will continue to draw people in. Nevertheless, I think it’s a great idea to bring children to orchestral dress rehearsals. That’s actually how my journey began, listening to the live music. It’s a way for young people to see the process and feel connected to the performance without the pressure of a formal concert hall. This can have a huge impact!

What advice would you give to young or aspiring musicians?

My advice is to practice and dream. You have to strive for more, all the time. That constant drive will eventually get you to where you want to be.

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

In the next ten years, I hope to have a full international touring career, and I would love to combine that with teaching.

What is your present state of mind?

My present state of mind is one of gratitude purpose and strength. This sense of purpose is also driving my current projects. I’m preparing to record three left-hand concertos by Maurice Ravel, Sergei Prokofiev, and Sergei Bortkiewicz. This is a very special project for me, and I am excited to share this unique repertoire.

Illia Ovcharenko’s new album ‘Manu Sinistra – One hand, three composers, a century of defiance’, is out on 20th March on PENTATONE

illiaovcharenko.com