Charlotte and Olivia Marckx
By Natasha Barbieri
Classically trained instrumentalists Charlotte and Oliva Marckx have just released their debut album “Sempre Sisters.” We learn a little bit about the talented sisters whose beautiful playing and arrangements are sure to be a bit with crossover fans.
NB: At what age did you both begin to take music lessons? Did you start on the same instruments you play now or another instrument?
Sempre Sisters: We both began music lessons before we were 6. Our mom is a cello teacher, so Olivia started on cello and took to it right away. Charlotte started on cello, but was terrible at it! A few months later, she switched to the violin. Neither of us plays any other instruments.
NB: When did you start playing duets together? What are some of the special things about performing with a sibling?
Sempre Sisters: We have always played together in some capacity, starting with easy duets. Our duo didn’t really form until we attended a workshop run by the amazing violin-cello duo of Alasdair Fraser and Natalie Haas approximately 5-6 years ago. They were incredibly inspiring, and we were especially struck by how full the ensemble sounded with just two people. After the workshop, we began writing our own tunes, and Olivia became more and more interested in arranging for our duo. As siblings, we benefit from having a similar mindset about how to work, and also, there is the obvious convenience of living in the same house!
NB: What has been the response from your peers to your unique interpretations that include music of various genres?
Sempre Sisters: The reaction has been mixed! One of our teachers is one of our biggest fans, and another likes to pretend that we don’t play this type of music! A lot of classical musicians are intrigued by some of the techniques we use, especially on the cello, such as chopping and different styles of pizzicato. We performed live on NPR a few years ago, first playing a classical piece and then a fiddle tune, and the audience clearly loved the fiddle tune the best. I think that our peers can see that it is a way of connecting with audiences who would not necessarily go to a classical concert, even if they might not enjoy the alternative styles themselves.
NB: Tell us a little bit about the recording experience for your debut album. Is this the first time you have been in a recording studio?
Sempre Sisters: Recording for our album was really fun! We recorded all of the tracks in only 2 days, plus a day for mixing, etc. Both of us had professionally recorded before, but only solo for competition and festival auditions–never as a duo or in a studio like Paradise Sound that primarily recorded bands rather than classical musicians. We were each in our own room, listening to each other through headphones, which took a bit of getting used to. Hearing the audio played back was thrilling!
NB: How did you both decide on the song selection? Do you each have a favorite from the album?
Sempre Sisters: It was actually difficult to decide on which tunes to record, but we wanted to have an even mix of original tunes and pop tunes, along with some classical pieces. We were also limited somewhat due to the royalty costs for cover tunes, so we limited those to our very favorites. Charlotte’s favorite piece on the CD is the Bach Goldberg Variations. Olivia’s is Beat it/Tonight.
NB: Do your teachers assist with any of the arrangements or is it just you ladies?
Sempre Sisters: Olivia does all of our arrangements. She is a sophomore at the Colburn Conservatory of Music in LA.
NB: What are some of your musical dreams and plans to continue to develop your talent?
Sempre Sisters: We both love classical music and alternate genres equally. In an ideal world, we would be able to continue to pursue both. A dream concert for us would be to perform Brahms Double with a great orchestra and then follow up with a fiddle tune encore! We devote most of our practice time to developing our classical skills but attend festivals and workshops of different genres to keep growing in those styles as well.
NB: Who are some of the musicians who inspire you?
Sempre Sisters: The list of musicians that inspire us is never ending! A few that come to mind immediately are: Alasdair Fraser and Natalie Haas, Time for Three, Kristian Bugge, Mark O’Connor, Steven Isserlis, Agustin Hadelich, James Ehnes, Hilary Hahn, David Oistrakh, Jasha Heifetz, and Yo-Yo Ma.
NB: Besides playing what are some activities that you enjoy?
Sempre Sisters: Now that Olivia is in LA, our favorite non-musical hobby involves watching favorite TV shows together over FaceTime. We try to save 30 minutes at the end of each day to watch different shows (Parks and Rec, West Wing, etc.). We have figured out a way to use our phones and our computers to make it feel like we are watching together. It is a really fun way to stay connected!
Purchase their new album from sempresisters.com
