"I am really not a big fan of saying, no if you're an opera singer then you can't do musical theatre, because it's not true.
Read MoreThe Artist’s voice
Inspired during the initial COVID-19 lockdown in March 2020, my project was sparked by witnessing the struggles of my children, ballet dancers at the Vienna State Opera, unable to practice their craft due to isolation. Initially a small photography endeavor, capturing artists at their windows, it swiftly transformed into a symbol of solidarity for the arts community.
The repercussions of this pandemic will echo throughout the artistic and cultural sectors for years to come. Thus, I felt compelled to shed light on the plight of creative individuals and organizations, advocating for their recognition and support. Through this project, I aimed to amplify artists' voices, offering a platform for their stories and perspectives. If they can't grace the stage, they should still be seen and heard.
Vienna, a bastion of culture, served as a fitting backdrop for my efforts, with its rich artistic heritage and diverse community. I've photographed over 500 artists, including musicians, dancers, and opera stars, alongside ambassadors from various nations, all standing in solidarity with Vienna's artistic community.
The arts, often overlooked, are integral to society's fabric, shaping our collective identity and enriching our lives. They transcend language and borders, offering solace and inspiration in times of turmoil. By spotlighting Vienna's cultural legacy, I hope to instill a greater appreciation for the arts worldwide. Moreover, I've witnessed firsthand the resilience of artists in the face of adversity. Despite canceled performances and financial hardships, their unwavering passion for their craft fuels a newfound creativity. Their optimism is palpable, radiating hope through every photograph.
Through this project, I aim to educate future generations on the importance of the arts, advocating for its integration into education systems worldwide. By nurturing creativity and fostering appreciation for the arts, we can build a more empathetic and harmonious society.Ultimately, my goal is to spark dialogue and action, ensuring that the arts and artists are valued and supported in our modern world. Through interviews with artists globally, I seek to understand their experiences and explore solutions for securing the future of the arts.
In essence, this project is a testament to the resilience and vitality of the human spirit, as embodied by artists around the world. Their stories remind us of the transformative power of art and the boundless possibilities it offers for a brighter future."
"There's such a thing as nurturing the art and the artist is a way that they can fulfill their best potential and full potential in a way, without having to crush their souls"
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My first interview for 2022 is with the young dancer Brandon Carpio. From initially doing Karate, he was encouraged to do ballet and the moment he got in the studio he loved it.
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Organist Gerrit Jordaan is talking about his role as organist in the town of George in the Western Cape.
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Misha Kovar is talking about how much music has meant to her throughout her life and how much she loves singing different genres.
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Pianist Dusan Sretovic is talking about how his upcoming chamber music concerts and how much he appreciates being able to do concerts again.
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South African Conductor and Composer Franco Prinsloo is talking about choir singing as part of the culture in South Africa and the choirs that he conducted over the years.
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Alessandra Ashkenazy is talking about the importance of understanding the responsibility when teaching ballet to young children and to form dancers.
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Composer Oliver Ostermann is talking about the new opera he wrote called Spuk unterm Riesenrad for the Theatre Chemnitz in Germany. The storyline is based on the television program of 1979 with characters from a ghost train, the Giant, the Witch and Rumplestiltskin, that come to live.
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South African conductor Richard Cock is talking about the great talent in classical musicians this country has to offer and the many wonderful projects done by musicians and also schools to give children the opportunity to play and also be exposed to classical music.
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Pianist and Steinway artist Charlie Albright is talking about how the point of music is to communicate and touch people:
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