Violinist, pianist, composer
1 When do you start performing?
I started playing the violin as a child and learned the piano autodidactic. On a professional level, I’m performing since my studies at the conservatory. For a couple of years, I’ve started performing my original compositions.
2 How did you meet Iris?
Violinist Iris Ewald-Tillner and I met more than 10 years ago at the auditions for the conservatory. We felt an immediate connection and from that, a deep friendship developed. We studied together in Lucerne, Switzerland and shared a flat. Since then we are making music together.
3 Tell us a little bit about your recent release.
Inspired by the beautiful and rich nature of the north, I wrote “A Nordic Tale” for violin and piano during and after some travels through Finland and Sweden. The composition pictures the wild rivers, shimmering lakes and the wind blowing through the old trees of dark forests.
With all my music I try to paint landscapes or tell a story. It’s chamber music but also cinematic and combines classical and popular elements. I like the idea of creating epic moments with just two instruments.
“A Nordic Tale” is available for streaming and on YouTube.
4 What do you love most about the violin and piano?
I love the sound of the violin. It’s very close to the human voice and there are no two violins or violinists sounding exactly the same. You form every note and can fill it with life and emotions.
The piano is great because you can play a full orchestra all by yourself. I also like the part of an accompanist.
5 What’s coming next for you?
I’m working on a piece inspired by Daphne du Maurier’s classic novel “Rebecca”. It will premiere it in Vienna and we hopefully have the chance to play it in Cornwall as well, du Maurier’s place of residence.
I also wrote some songs for soprano and chamber ensemble based on poems by Sara Teasdale, which I’m planning to premiere in the near future.
“A Nordic Tale” is available for streaming and on YouTube.