A month with happy ending

Posted by Judith - 11/07/11 at 11:07:13 am

I feel so proud. Of my city, my culture, the people who have worked to make today a reality, even the little bit I was able to contribute to the cause, through my recital with singer María Berasarte almost a year ago. Sitting on the bed in my room in San Sebastian, where I’m spending a few days with my family, I look out the window and see a rather greyish dusk, but the city is full of light. The light of energy, enthusiasm, and happiness because of the fantastic news we’ve just received: San Sebastian has won the bid for European Capital of Culture in 2016!!!! CONGRATULATIONS TO THE PEOPLE OF SAN SEBASTIAN. We deserve it, and I hope we can all enjoy it together, as a united city.

I’ve been eager to sit down and write this post for the last few days. It’s been a great month and I was really looking forward to sharing it with you, so that’s exactly what I’ll do, surrounded by my childhood in this attic room in the Aiete neighbourhood. It’s full of CDs, books, soft toys, and even the Pleyel piano on which I played my first notes when I was five. What a relic! 

 I had some good news waiting for me when I got back from Úbeda, where I last left you: Columna Música, the record company for my album Robert Schumann, el arte de lo pequeño, had put it forward for the Independent Music Awards in the categories of Surprise Artist, Best Spanish Album and Best Classical Album of the Year. Feeling the support of the record company, by entering me into these awards, gave me a great sense of hopefulness and also satisfaction. We all like to feel supported and loved every now and again. The first phase of the awards consisted of a professional judging panel selecting five albums per category. This year there was a record number of entries, so choosing from them all was difficult. On the day they announced the finalists they even told me “if they haven’t called you, you haven´t been nominated”. So you can imagine the surprise on my face when I looked online and saw my name on the list! I checked it about five times just in case there was a mistake, but no, I was a finalist in the Best Classical Album of the Year!! Such incredible joy. The next step was a popular vote. We knew nothing about the results until the actual awards ceremony on 21 July at the Casa de América in Madrid. So off I went with Anabel (my PR agent, I’ve already spoken to you about her) and two other friends. Today someone asked me in an interview if I felt a ‘bit weird’ among so much indie, rock, and other types of music. It couldn’t be further from the truth actually; the room was full of young people who loved making music, just like me. I was in my element. Presenting the awards was Anne Igartiburu, who was witty, fun, and natural. Congratulations from here! Then came classical music’s turn, with Ara Malikian presenting. He called out the nominees and, as many of you already know…. my Schumann won!!! Now, I’m not someone who does things just so they receive recognition, but naturally, if they do the feeling is just amazing. I dedicated the award to the people who voted for me (I’m sure I owe a drink or two), to the marvellous team I have working with me, my management agency Iberkonzert and Anabel from Relabel Comunicación, and of course my family and friends. Without them I wouldn’t be who I am and I wouldn’t have been there that night. My first album is bringing me so much happiness. The following day I received lots of email messages and calls to congratulate me. I’m still not sure which is nicer – the award itself or feeling all this affection from people. I thought at that moment that, if happiness really is a state then I suppose it could be defined as something like this. THANKS for every single one of your words, I’ll keep them with me.

Before that exciting night, I gave a recital in Madrid, organised by the German Embassy in the Museum of Romanticism. I studied at the German school until I was 12 and a few years later I lived in Munich so I’ve more or less always had a connection with Germany. So doing something for my second country was a real pleasure. As was playing in the Museum of Romanticism, which brought me so much luck at the presentation of the Schumann album. I felt at home there, in front of an audience that were eager to listen and let themselves be moved by the Schumann, Brahms, Mompou, and Debussy I played. I was enjoying myself so much I nearly lost my shoe! I heard the heel on the wooden floor each time I pressed the pedal. It was annoying me but I thought that, really, the only important thing at that moment was the music, not my foot. It was something that created a relaxed and natural atmosphere for everyone. It was a great way to round off the summer concerts!!

As well as playing the piano, I also had lots of other lovely moments this month, such as the Tribute to Pedro del Hierro, whom I was delighted to say hello to and thank him for all the lovely outfits he gave me for my concerts. In some way, the fabrics, the colours, and the cuts envelop and inspire the stage and give it that special touch. I also went to a great exhibition by photographer Adriana López Sanfeliú, sponsored by Hoss Intropia, and the Music Awards organised by the Academy of Music, as a spectator, where I discovered the singer Zenet – I haven´t stopped listening to his album Soñar contigo. And, in between all that, I did a few interviews for various media: a column for Iberia Airline’s Excelencia magazine, where I had to speak about why we need music to live; TVE’s Programa de mano; Canal 24 Horas news programmes, and El País, among others.

Now, already in the midst of summer, I’m completely wrapped up in the new repertoire for the upcoming concerts at the Cambrils and Sitges festivals in a few weeks. I start with Cervelló, a contemporary composer who has really surprised me, I continue with Mompou (my little Spanish passion), and Albéniz, and complete the second part with Scriabin, Bartok, and Debussy. It’s a varied programmed but it all knits in well. As I always say, I like the fact that, although the styles are different the pieces communicate well with each other emotionally. I think it’s like that here.

I’m now going to leave you as my pareconlucasnts are calling to me from the living room, and the baby squid in ink is waiting for me there! On Sunday my nephew Lucas, who is my godson (such excitement…) was baptised and I decided to stay there a few days to escape the heat of Madrid with a few swims at La Concha beach. I promise I’ll be back soon to tell you about my adventures on the Catalan coast. As a parting gift, I leave you with a photo of my godson, whom I’m totally besotted by!

Spring rain

Posted by Judith - 23/05/11 at 06:05:40 pm

The minute I woke up this morning I opened the blinds in my room and then lay there for a while just listening to the sound of the rain. I remembered the conversation I had the other day with Anabel, my press agent, when we spoke about the importance of stealing a few minutes for ourselves, to stop and observe what’s happening around us. I love that feeling of protection you have when there’s a storm outside and you’re cosy and safe inside your home. So, observing that little that little patch of sky in my window, I started to think back to the beginning of the year when I wrote my last post. So many things have happened since then that I don’t know where to start. I’ll just fix myself a fresh coffee first and then sit down and tell you all about it!

I left you with the tribute to Antonio Machado which the actor José Sacristán and I performed together in February in Bilbao. To say that he’s a great actor would be an understatement; his spectacular career to date says it all. Apart from the professional aspect, what surprised me most about José is his generosity and humility. He made it clear right from the start that this was our show, that the music wouldn’t take second place and that we would share the stage equally. This is very admirable of someone so successful, who is used to being in the limelight. We hit it off from the time we first met, having coffee with his wife Amparo, who is very charming. During rehearsals, sometimes when he spoke I felt like I was in a film or something! He’s a very funny, highly cultured, warm, and hardworking person. The BBK in Bilbao gave us a fantastic reception, the technical team did a great job, and the audience was completely dedicated. There are more dates lined up for when José returns from Argentina, where he is currently involved in the shooting of Javier Rebollo’s next film. These include the festivals of Pollensa, Alicante, San Sebastian, Reus, etc. You can find all the details here on my site!

When I returned to Madrid I had a photo session to spruce up my image. Photographer Manolo Yllera was chosen for the job and the session took place in his fabulous studio. There’s a lot more preparation involved in a photo shoot than people realise: you have to convey the right message, which involves choosing the wardrobe, hair style, make up, props, etc.  My friend and stylist, Ana Sánchez, glammed me up (with the help of fashion brands Ailanto, Hoss Intropia, and Pedro del Hierro), and Anabel Mateo (press and image) was, as always, on hand to help out. The day of the photo shoot was really nice, you could feel the positive energy in the air, and although I was exhausted after the 12 hours, I was happy! I think this shows in the final result. You can see ‘The making of…’, by Rafa Álvaro, on my Facebook fan page, and here’s a YouTube link where we’ve uploaded some of the final photos accompanied by one of my favourite tracks on my CD: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ygwIoei5gKk. Hope you like it!

There were three big dates in March. The first two were part of the Musika-Música Festival at the Euskalduna Concert Hall in Bilbao, this year dedicated to Mozart. It proved yet another successful year for this event which attracts thousands of spectators over the three days, with concerts being performed all day from 11am to 9pm. It’s fun arriving at your concert and saying hello to people waiting to go in, or going for a coffee and bumping into other performers whom you haven’t met in a while. Although it’s sometimes difficult for the artists to find their way around, this time I actually managed to get lost inside the auditorium – when I arrived at the hall everyone was already seated and waiting! I had to ask them to wait 5 minutes while I tested the piano. But this is all part of the marathon and it makes for a more relaxed atmosphere. Another important date was my debut in Barcelona’s Auditorium. I came away from it with great memories. The acoustics in the hall were fantastic and the piano was excellent. I played Fantasies which, as you know, is a programme I really love. The stage manager in charge of the production, and everybody in general, treated me really well. Even the reviews after the concert were good to me. A big thanks to everyone! I hope to go back there soon. Ah, …yes, in the middle of March I had my 26th birthday, and my friends made it a really special day (and night) for me.

Then, in April, there was a totally different programme: Tribute to Liszt: Water Sounds, which included works by Ravel, Debussy, and Liszt of course. For his 200th anniversary year I wanted to play pieces from his most impressionist period, which I like best. And who better to complement it all than the two great French composers, with water as the central theme. I performed it for the first time at the Spring Festival of Arrasate (what a beautiful church!) and a few days later at the Villamarta in Jerez, a theatre that just oozes tradition. The day before the recital I met the students from the Conservatory. It was great to be able to share my experiences with them, give them a few tips, and answer their questions. We had a lot of laughs! 

Three weeks later I went back to Andalucia, this time for the Festival of Úbeda. I was really impressed by the town. I didn’t know it was a World Heritage Site – there’s a monument at every turn. The Festival is one of the most important in Spain, but the atmosphere is very friendly and relaxed. I was treated like a queen from the moment I arrived, so thanks a lot everybody!! We had two actors, Ana Carmen and Juan Ramón, who read out love letters exchanged between Clara and Schumann, interspersed with music by both. It was an intimate and romantic hour, very special, and a perfect way to end the month.

And, among all my musical dates, were lovely days spent with my family, in which I enjoyed time with my little nephews whom I’m totally besotted with. As I said yesterday to a friend, just holding them in your arms for 5 minutes helps you forget any worries you might have, and the things that sometimes tend to occupy our minds too much. These little creatures who smile up at you, just wanting your affection, give you a sense of peace that is impossible to describe in words.

Reading over what I’ve just written, I realise that these four months I’ve summarised have been really positive. There are times when everything goes by so quickly that I don’t have time to think, but when I sit down and write, I realise how lucky I am. My passion in life is also my work, and not many people are fortunate enough to be able to say the same. And it is possible because of the people that support me, believe in me, share my enjoyment, and follow my progress along the way. THANKS TO ALL OF YOU. A big hug and we’ll be in touch again soon.

From Munich with Fantasy…

Posted by Judith - 13/01/11 at 12:01:47 am

Good night from Munich!

This is my first time writing to you from here, accompanied by wholemeal bread rolls with sunflower seeds and one of those delicious German yoghurts. I really love this city! I came here for a few days to play the new repertoire for the upcoming concerts for Suchanov, my teacher. I’ve just returned from our second class. Yesterday we were working on Brahms Fantasiestücke op.116 and today on Mozart’s Fantasia in D Minor. This man is simply spectacular. Instead of hands he seems to have blocks that mould perfectly to each work; his sound is so personal and takes in so many  registers that sometimes I’m left open-mouthed looking at him and have to ask “How do you do THAT?” Every minute with him is an indescribable lesson. 

December was an emotional month, with the launch event for my album “Robert Schumann, el arte de lo pequeño”. As I mentioned in my previous post, it was held in Madrid’s Museo del Romanticismo, in a really charming Schumannesque-type hall. At the table with me were Jordi Roch, chairman of the Juventudes Musicales de España, as the album was edited by Columna Música as part of its collection, and Javier Alfaya, chairman of the Scherzo Foundation, which supported me when I was one of their artists in their Ciclo de Jóvenes Intérpretes last year. Their words really moved me. I would also like to thank Iberkonzert, my agency, who participated from the beginning in organising the event, instilling enthusiasm and excitement. And of course, and especially, Relabel Comunicación, my press and image office, who got 100% involved in the project. For your fantastic work, the details, and your imagination, Anabel: THANKS!

Because of the great presentation we did, the album is getting really good media coverage, and I’ve had to do quite a lot of promotional work, fitting it in with my hours at the piano. I’ve had some fun interviews, like the one with Onda Cero for the Julia en la onda radio programme, where I felt very comfortable, and the one with by Jesús Amilibia for the back page of the newspaper La Razón, where I started I ended the interview smiling. Another I liked was with José María Prieto for Radio Intereconomía’s Véngase conmigo programme and one with some interesting questions, like that due out soon in El Cultural, the weekly cultural magazine of El Mundo newspaper, with Benjamín García-Rosado. I have to admit that I like interviews. There are questions that you expect to be asked and then there are others that take you by surprise and make you stop and think or look at things from another angle. As I said in one of my recent interviews “every interview is a chance to have a good conversation”.

I ended 2010 musically with a Christmas Concert at the Quirón Hospital. A nice way to round off the year, where I met some lovely, smiling people with a desire for life. The latter is so important. Human beings are able to survive thanks to this enthusiasm to live, to feel, to share. We should never forget how important it is to get up every day with this strength and maintain it to the end.

I bid the year farewell in my beloved San Sebastian surrounded by my family, as I love to be, with walks by the sea, evenings of tapas, family get togethers and long lunches etc. And after a few days in Madrid with the shooting of the campaign ads for Hoss Intropia, who use my image, I took a plane to Germany where, as I mentioned, I gave some finishing touches to the repertoires for my January concerts in Malaga and San Sebastian. The programme is called “Fantasy”, by Mozart, Brahms, Scriabin and Schumann. I think it’s nice to start the year with him. In the current climate it wouldn’t do us any harm to indulge in a little fantasy and see where it takes us. 

I’ve been asked many times what I would like from 2011. I don’t usually ask for much nor expect anything, as that way there is less risk of disappointment is less. But what I would like is to continue enjoying music, the people close to me and life itself. What more can you ask for? 

I’ll say goodbye for the moment. In a few weeks I’ll let you know how the rehearsals went with the great actor José Sacristán for our tribute to Antonio Machado which we’ll premiere in Bilbao on 9 February: “Note by note, verse by verse; De los días azules al sol de la infancia”.

Sunday outside my window

Posted by Judith - 24/11/10 at 12:11:00 pm

Sunday. It’s cold outside. From the window of my bedroom, where I am writing today, I can see my little garden full of fallen leaves, leaving the tree in front almost bare. It’s a perfect day for preparing a nice coffee and settling down to write, with Mozart and Mitsuko Uchida playing in the background. 

I’ve had to jog my memory to find exactly where I last left you: Vitoria, in September. It was a different kind of concert. Santa María Cathedral is currently undergoing a facelift – that’s what I mean by ‘different’. To be with Chopin, Mompou and Schumann and see the reconstruction work of such a cathedral is an experience to say the least. I had a really good reception from the Vitorian audience and will be back to visit them again at the end of 2011.

 After a few weeks in Madrid I headed north to Bilbao, for the tribute to the great poet Ángela Figuera, whose poems were recited by the actress Susana Soleto and interspersed with Chopin, Albéniz, Mompou, Liszt, Schumann and Debussy. Ángela was a brave woman who, without hesitation, gave her vision of the world from her perspective: as a woman, a mother and a wife. Sometimes rebellious, she claimed her femininity at a time as difficult as the Spanish post-war period. I loved discovering her, and doing it through Susana. From the first phone call with her I knew we would hit it off. As I’ve said before, I really a person’s simplicity and naturalness. Susana is an excellent actress but, above all, she is charming, sensitive, unaffected, natural and warm. Her reading moved me. It was one of those moments when you feel there is something there but you cannot explain it, but it is in the air. Maybe it was Ángela, sending us her energy from wherever she may be.

Back in Madrid, I’ve been working on the new repertoire. I have a lot of variety ahead of me in the next few months: Mozart, Brahms, Scriabin, Schumann, Liszt, Ravel, Debussy.  Each new work is like getting to know someone: at first you’re careful, trying not to fail in what the score requires; then little by little you gain confidence, thinking about what they want to say with their notes, internalising them, so that later the relationship becomes fluid and mature.

The next date is 14 December: the public launch of my Schumann CD!  It will be in Madrid, in the Museo del Romanticismo.  Over the following days the CD will be for sale on the Internet, on www.columnamusica.com and www.diverdi.com. On the day of the launch it will be distributed to shops (El Corte Inglés, Fnac etc…). You know how much enthusiasm I put into this project. Hopefully you will share that with me.

And to round off the year, I have a big date lined up: I’m playing the Christmas concert at the Quirón Hospital in Madrid. It’s a gift for me to be able to share an hour or so with people who need help, bringing a little happiness and hope, and making the hospital a temporary social meeting point for them and for everybody. I invite you to come and experience this special moment with us. It will be held in the evening of 21 December. When all the details have been finalised, I’ll let you know here. For the second half of the concert, I’ll be accompanied by the mezzo-soprano Magdalena Llamas, to give it a final Christmas touch. Thanks, Magdalena, for committing yourself and taking part in what will fill our hearts with joy!

Dear September

Posted by Judith - 15/09/10 at 03:09:48 pm

September. I remember the nerves and excitement around this time of year when I was a child and about to meet up with my friends again after the summer. I loved the smell of new books every year, and I used to flick through the chapters in each subject to find out what was going to be covered in the coming course. My favourite subject was maths, and anything related to the human body. In fact, until I was fifteen, I always said I would go into medicine. But after that it was clear to me that I wanted to devote myself entirely to music and, having more free time to do so, I chose the option of arts, with Greek and Latin! I immediately abandoned the idea of being a doctor but it’s true that I discovered the logical and algebraic side of this modality in syntax, which was what I enjoyed.

Nowadays I still recognise myself as that child who was happy and excited about her new projects, with the return to everyday life, with being reunited with her friends again, whom she hadn’t seen for a while. After a wonderful time in San Sebastian, I returned to Madrid with lots of energy to continue to strive for what I wanted and to build a solid career in music.

Before telling you about my upcoming projects, I’ll tell you how last month went. I said goodbye to you a few days before travelling to Laciana Valley in Leon, to play at the Encuentros festival with Rosa Torres Pardo. The festival is organised by Rosa in Robles de Laciana, a small little village in this wonderful valley. The whole town turns up for this weekend and people come from other parts of Spain to meet up with friends, some of whom they only get to see on those days. The atmosphere is amazing, which is not surprising with Rosa at the helm. What a woman, so affectionate and, above all, so natural. One of the things I value most in a person is their naturalness and friendliness. Thanks so much for having invited me and making me feel comfortable straight away. Arriving at the place was like a dream. After six hours of driving, I suddenly found myself watching the sun set over a makeshift open-air auditorium in the middle of the mountains, listening to some spectacular voices (Rosa Miranda and Ruth Rosique, among others) and accompanied by Rosa. It was an unforgettable time. The following day the composer Antón García Abril gave a talk, during which he ran us through his musical journey. He got a lot of laughs from us with some of his stories, perfect for whetting out appetites before lunch. In the evening it was my turn. I opened the recital with Papillons by Schumann, followed by the violinist Leticia Moreno, with Rosa on the piano, and then the tenor Enrique Viana, also with Rosa. It was easy to be inspired in these surroundings and I really enjoyed those 15 minutes with Schumann, whom you know I adore. I fell in love with Leticia. What force, what passion, and what a Cesar Franck Sonata! She is, in every sense of the word, an artist. After so much depth, Enrique Viana brought us back to earth with his humour. Perfect for the party that was to follow. All in all, it was a fantastic weekend.

After that, I went home to San Sebastian, where I spent almost the entire month. This year I enjoyed the Quincena Musical as a spectator. Patrick Alfaya debuted as the festival’s new director — and a great debut it was too! It was a sensational programme, with a leitmotif: Russian music. And, of course, the experts were brought in:  The Marinsky Theatre Orchestra, directed by Gergiev con Stravinsky, the Russian National Ballet with Pletnev, Repin playing Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto, Volodin with Rachmaninoff in Chillida-Leku, Petrenko directing the Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra… all played to a full house, as usual. Congratulations to the management, and the production team in general, for making our festival one of the best on the classical scene. 

 And in this “back-to-school” phase, the next concert will be in Vitoria; my first time there. The concert forms part of the Caja España season, which this year is dedicated to Schumann and Chopin for their bicentennial. My specific recital will be co-organised with the Santa Maria Foundation. I’ve been told the place is beautiful, in the portico of Santa Maria Cathedral. I’m really looking forward to meeting my audience in Vitorio. I’ll play 3 Impromptus by Chopin, Variations on a theme of Chopin by Mompou and Fantasiestücke by Schumann. After that, I’ll take the train to Madrid to focus on the presentation and launch of the Schumann CD and the new repertoire which has been confirmed for the San Sebastian Classic Season, the Barcelona Auditorium and the Villamarta Theatre in Jerez, among others.

Anyway, I’ll let you know how things are going. Until then, enjoy the change of season … and the chance to start anew!

Happy summer!

Posted by Judith - 05/07/10 at 12:07:28 am

In my last post I welcomed in the spring, and today it’s summer! It’s time for sun, heat and al fresco dining. In Madrid, the heat can become unbearable during the day so when the sun goes down the terraces come alive. I love to sit on one of them and enjoy the sunset, chatting with friends, catching up on each others lives. It is these simple moments that ennoble us.

This spring was very good to me. It started off with Yamaha Spain inviting me to Frankfurt for the presentation of their new concert grand. To try out the new piano we had the pleasure of hearing Piotr Anderszewski play. Of course, with a pianist like him, the piano sounded great, especially playing Schumann – it was a rare treat to hear Anderszewski render the Six Studies in Canon Form op. 56.

A few days later I was performing at the Rompeolas Festival, in support of San Sebastian’s candidature for City of Culture 2016. It was an unforgettable experience — 140 people on stage at dawn with the spectacular Victoria Eugenia Theatre in the background, and listening to María Berasarte … a strong voice, full of style, of nuances, of music. We understood each other well right from the first rehearsal, it was one of those musical infatuations where there is no need for words and everything flows just by playing. I loved delving into other types of music such as Brazilian, a bit of jazz, a bit of tango. Thanks, María, for introducing me to your world and for letting me be myself, without restraint.

After the concert, I went back to Madrid to concentrate on one of the most important of my recent projects — the recording of my first solo album, for the Columna Música label and part of the Juventudes Musicales Collection. I was lucky to be able to choose the repertoire myself, and Schumann was my choice. I’ve had a soft spot for him ever since I was young. I like the two sides of his character — on the one hand he is idealistic; a dreamer; nostalgic; intimate and delicate and on the other he is passionate; irrational; tormented and temperamental — his brutal switches from one to the other and the way he goes from man’s deepest miseries to the purest of metaphysics. The album will feature Papillons op.2, Allegro op.8, Fantasiestücke op.12 and Arabesque op.18.

I let myself be fully advised by the great sound engineer who handled the recording, José Miguel Martínez, and we went to the auditorium of San Fernando College to perform. The place is on the outskirts of Madrid, it’s quiet, has great acoustics and we felt at home from day one. Here I have to give a huge THANKS to Hazen for putting the best piano in my life at my disposal. A few weeks before, Radu Lupu came to the National Auditorium (someone beyond words — I’ll never forget his second movement of Schubert’s 960 Sonata), and when he started playing the piano, and I thought: I want it! So I was very lucky to have a Steinway with the most crystalline treble, rounded bass and the most cantabile central register I have ever played.

My friends told me to be patient, that recordings were sometimes tiresome; the takes, selecting them, the repeats, the lack of adrenaline that you get with performing live, etc. But the truth is, there was such a good atmosphere with the technician, José Miguel, and the artistic director, Jordi Abelló, that I felt very comfortable and confident. I want to thank them for investing all their energy and goodwill in me. And the tuner too, Luis Felipe, who made sure the piano was always at its best. The recording went very smoothly, sometimes I only had to do one or two takes and, all in all, I have good feelings and good memories of those few days. They’re now in the process of editing and mastering the recordings — I can’t wait to hear the final result! The album will be released between September and October and be distributed by Diverdi. There will be a presentation in Barcelona and Madrid in November and you’re all invited!

After my few days of Schumann I got the chance to enjoy a mini-break, which I spent going for long walks in Madrid, a city I love more and more each day. One day was invited to the film premiere of ‘La vida empieza hoy’ (Life Begins Today), by Laura Mañá, which I highly recommend. It was hilarious, yet very intimate, with veteran stars such as Pilar Bardem, who is very endearing in her role. I also went to see The Blind Side, which won Sandra Bullock an Oscar. That’s not to be missed either! It’s a true story, and I’m sure you’ll leave the cinema with a desire to live life and to help those in need.

Now it’s time for me to go get back to studying and planning programmes, with my next date just around the corner: I will be in Robles the last weekend of July to attend a small, intimate festival organised by the great Spanish pianist Rosa Torres Pardo. These will be two days of music and fun in a beautiful remote little town in Castilla y León. I’ll let you know how it goes! But until then, enjoy the sun!

Madrid-Bilbao-Málaga

Posted by Judith - 20/03/10 at 07:03:19 pm

It’s happened again … I’ve left it too long to write in my blog! I’ll continue on from where I finished last time: at Christmas.

I started the year in the best way possible, with my family in my town of San Sebastian, which for me is the best city in the world, and is a candidate for European Capital of Culture in 2016, for which it has my heartfelt support. As a matter of fact, my next concert will be part of a weekend packed with cultural activities to promote the city and to get Europe’s attention. When they called and asked me if I would like to take part I didn’t think twice about contacting the singer Maria Berasarte and suggesting that we do a concert together. Maria is a great artist; she has dedicated the last few years to fado and recently made a record for Universal based on her work. So, we decided to take a gamble and fuse my classical style with her jazz, flamenco and fado influences in an intimate and original programme. We are proud to be able to bring this moment to our city, and do so with all our affection.

After the New Year I returned to Madrid to focus on my upcoming projects, which included a Jóvenes Intérpretes de Scherzo recital in Madrid, the Musika-Musica Festival in Bilbao and Chopin’s First Concerto with the Concerto Málaga Orchestra. Before the concerts I returned to Munich to shut myself away with Suchanov for five days. I had forgotten what the winters were like there. It was freezing cold and the best place to be was at my piano in the studio I rent when I go there, near Marienplatz. I spent several hours in the studio and many more with Suchanov. I always come back excited about the new ideas he gives me; he’s such a pure artist and gives me lots of encouragement. He’s one of those people who never ceases to amaze.

On 23 February I had the pleasure of playing in the beautiful Zarzuela Theatre in Madrid. A recital in the Ciclo de Jóvenes Intérpretes, organized by Scherzo Foundation. The recital featured works by Liszt, Debussy, Mompou and Chopin and was recorded by Radio Clásica of RNE (Spain’s national radio station). On the same day and at the same time the Berlin Philharmonic with Simon Rattle were in the Auditorium, and if that wasn’t enough, there was a demonstration in progress which prevented access to the theatre by car. However, despite all these obstacles to filling the hall everything turned out wonderfully. Apart from the fact that the stalls were full, the audience was fantastic, attentive and respectful and wanted to like me from the moment I came on stage. They made me feel relaxed, right from the First Consolation by Liszt to the First Impromptus by Chopin, which I gave as a little tip. Thanks to all of you! After the concert, I presented Yamaha’s Avant Grand, a brilliant new invention from this house, another step forward in narrowing the sound difference between electronic pianos and their acoustic counterparts. Something to be considered.

A few days later, I flew to Bilbao. It was my third year in Musika-Música. As I was giving a recital on two separate days, I had a chance to take in the festival atmosphere a bit more this year. It truly is incredible. Three days filled with concerts from 1 to 9pm in the Palacio Euskalduna. The turnout was amazing – I think about 25,000 tickets were sold this year. Public and artists alike mingled in the queues for concerts or for the Auditorium restaurant. At last we were able to get a bit closer to these people who took the time to come to hear us and to enjoy the music with us. This year the focus was on Chopin, Schumann, Liszt and Mendelssohn. And congratulations to the organisers – it was a resounding success.

And finally, Malaga, with the Málaga Concerto String Orchestra. This is a young orchestra, with all the enthusiasm and energy that youth entails. They are determined and hard-working so I’m sure they’ll go far. Next step: to discover Latin America together! Let’s hope it’s soon.

Well, that’s all my news for the moment. By the time I write the next post I will have reached a quarter of a century: 25 years of age. I know you shouldn’t make a wish when blowing out the candles, but I hope that this year will continue to bring the same joys and great moments with my people, my piano and our music.

Merry Christmas!

Posted by Judith - 25/12/09 at 10:12:17 pm

Merry Christmas!!

I don’t know who is going to read this post, but whoever you are, I hope you are having a great time with your family. 

I really enjoyed my last year’s concert in Seville! Good hall, good piano and good audience. And it is always nice for me to be with Liszt, Debussy, Mompou and Chopin.

So let’s end this year full of hapiness and begin the 2010 full of hopes!

Santa Cristina-La Línea-Bilbao

Posted by Judith - 03/12/09 at 08:12:10 pm

The other day I went to a workshop on digital marketing in Madrid, organised by the AIE (Performers Association in Spain). It was really good; run by a guy called Juan Paz, who works for the company Music Ally in London. When he asked us who had a blog, I raised my hand. When I told him I hadn’t written anything since 31 August though, he was amazed! And rightly so. Sometimes we’re just so busy and have so many things going round in our heads that we can’t even grab a few minutes to sit down and write something. But, as the time for making New Year’s resolutions is fast approaching, one of mine will be to write more regularly.

When I wrote my last post we were heading into autumn, my favourite season. It’s like everything around us is being renewed, as well as ourselves. It’s the final stretch of the year when we still have a chance to fulfil some of those promises we made back in January. At the beginning of autumn I performed a recital in Santa Cristina d’Aro, in Girona. The people, and the church, are excellent. It’s one of the places with the best acoustics that I’ve ever played in, and was just perfect for the programme: Chopin, Debussy and Mompou. I’d love to go back there again if the opportunity arises.

After a few days of rest in Boston, I was able to enjoy October in Madrid, working on the upcoming dates. My next performance was in La Línea de la Concepción, in Cadiz. I know I’m repeating myself, but so far I’ve been really lucky to have met fantastic people who welcome me with open arms. Those in La Línea I’ve known for a few years now and it was great to see them again. In these times of crisis, it’s a real pleasure to see that there are still people like them, who fight to keep the music scene alive in the city. And, although they already know it, they have my total support.

The Albéniz Season, sponsored by Caja España, has come to an end. My last recital of the season was in Bilbao. And as the name suggests, it was about Albéniz and composers associated with him. My composer of choice was Mompou, another of the great Catalans, and the Latin Americans Villalobos and Ginastera, in honour of the trips Albéniz made to that part of the world from the time he was a child. It’s music I feel very comfortable with. The recital was at the Bilbao Philharmonic Society, in one of the most historic halls in the city. The dressing rooms were full of photos of the finest artists on their first visit to the Philharmonic. It was exciting to play there, where so many had played before. And Bilbao always leaves me with a good feeling. Maybe it’s because the hall is filled with family and friends who wait at the exit to give me a big hug. Thank you all for your loyalty!

And last, but certainly not least, I want to congratulate Kirmen Uribe on winning the National Literature Award 2009! We both shared music and poetry this summer at the Quincena (Musical Fortnight) in San Sebastian. I’m so delighted for him! So, the next book… Bilbao-New York-Bilbao!

A good summer

Posted by Judith - 31/08/09 at 04:08:37 pm

I can’t believe it’s 31st August already. Everything has gone by so fast that I haven’t even had time to sit down and write. The past two months have been filled with all sorts of emotions, all coming at the same time. Let me start at the beginning.

When I returned from Granada I took a flight to Germany, spending almost 20 days in my ‘second country’ (I lived there for almost 4 years not that long ago). Munich in the summer is fabulous. After the long, cold winter the sun makes the people lift their eyes from the pavement again and look ahead, smile, and enjoy life in the street.

I went there to play for Suchanov, who was my piano teacher when I lived in Munich. I think it’s vital that my teachers continue to listen to my playing, to give me advice, and observe me from the outside, as sometimes we ourselves are not aware of everything. As usual, Suchanov surprised me his ideas, his complete dedication, his infinite generosity. I’ll never find the words to thank him enough for everything he has done for me over the years, the hours of effort and concentration. While I was in Germany, I took a train to Freiburg to see the Margulis’ in their annual master-class. It was interesting to listen to advice from someone who is not so close to you, and is therefore more objective.  

When I returned to Spain, I had a recording to do with Radio Nacional. Two days’ work for half an hour of music. It was very intensive but very gratifying. To be able to listen to yourself and keep going over everything until you’re satisfied is not something you usually get the opportunity to do. Imperfection is one of the most difficult things for musicians to accept. Perfection is demanded of us during our training, but still there is always something we’re not 100% happy with… Thinking about it, it’s a difficult contradiction to come to terms with.

The first festival in August was Peralada, Girona, where I played Schumann’s Piano Quintet with the Ardeo Quartet, made up of four French girls, very different but each of them charming. It was one of the nicest highlights of the summer. I missed sharing the stage, so it was a luxury to be able to perform with them. We got on well right from the beginning and, during the concert, despite the acoustics in the venue not being the best for the Quintet, I really enjoyed myself. I certainly hope that this was the first meeting of many!

Then it was straight from Girona to Granada, to attend Fiapmse in Nigüelas, a young festival that’s getting bigger every year. The small village on the lower slopes of the Sierra Nevada mountains was completely given over to music for a few days. It was great to breathe in the pure air of the mountains.  

From there it was off to the La Roque d’Anthéron Festival, in the heart of Provence, France. This festival is a legend in European piano circles. It was my second year there but my first time in the park, at night. It was a superb treat to play in a Nuit de Piano, with a Chopin-based programme. You can just imagine what it feels like before going out into a park with 2,400 people watching and waiting for your first note. You take some deep breaths, drink some water, walk around a bit… And then out you go, with the best of intentions, eager to start playing, to enjoy it, to have a good time yourself and hope others have a good time. I managed this; I had a great time, and took away some lovely memories of the evening.

A few days later I was in San Sebastian, my home, the land of my dreams. I played in the Quincena Musical, also for the second year running. This time I played in the Chillida-Leku Season, in a beautiful park with Chillida sculptures and a little country house that they use for concerts during the Quincena. The concert consisted of music from composers who spent time between San Sebastian and Biarritz during the period 1900-1936. I chose to play Aita Donostia, Albéniz, Bartok and Granados. Here too I shared the stage, this time with the writer Kirmen Uribe. The concert was interspersed with music and poetry. I played, and then he recited some texts from authors who were around during this time in the same places as the composers. What can I say about the concert…..I looked into the audience and saw familiar faces, my family, my friends, people I hadn’t seen for years.  It was very moving.  As always, playing on home ground was a pleasure. And being next to Kirmen, yet another pleasure.

Next Saturday, the summer season concludes for me with the Santa Cristina d’Aro Festival. If everything goes well, it will have been a summer that has given me many special moments.