Before we begin a discussion about your plans for a solo recital at Carnegie, please tell us what was different about playing there this past November, not as a competition winner, but as a Special Guest Artist?

I have to say that it felt like coming back home. Everything was simple and comfortable, from trying out the piano and getting re-acquainted with its touch, to understanding what I needed to do in order to get the sound I wanted for the different passages of the music.

 I have to also say that the [sold-out] audience was extremely enthusiastic, and it was truly wonderful to be part of such a great event.  One of the other performers was still flying in when the concert began which made for an extra amount of excitement, because we were not even sure she would be there in enough time.  We all agreed to pitch in at the last minute, in case we would have to play more repertoire to buy time for her to get there.  Fortunately, everything worked out all right, and she arrived in time.

Were you nervous when you played as a winner of the Alexander & Buono Competition in 2019?

Oh yes, absolutely.

Why do you think that was?

Carnegie Hall is known all over the world as being the place where every great artist has performed.  This is especially true of classical music.  Knowing this, it’s hard not to ask yourself before a performance there “Will I be good enough?” or “Will my performance be worthy of the place itself?”  You’re thinking about these things almost more than you are thinking about your own playing. It adds a lot of pressure, no matter how much you feel you are prepared, and it tends to make one nervous.

Why do you think you were not nervous this second time?

The first time I was really overwhelmed by the energy of New York and the greatness of Carnegie Hall.  A few days before that performance, I went to the Empire State building and saw the view, and energy of the city.

How did the view from the Empire State building help you?

The energy of New York felt liberating.  I felt that there were only possibilities and no limitations, and that everything I had done up to this point was to help me accept the challenges of all the great opportunities that were coming my way, so I committed to myself all over again to work as hard as I could to be my absolute best.

What was it like playing with people who were not fellow competition winners, but fellow artists? 

It was really just a lot of fun.  Also, while we were still concerned about one of the artists arriving in time to perform, and we all were discussing some of the repertoire we could play to fill in the time, I realized I did have repertoire I could to play spontaneously, and from memory.  I also realized then that you have to be always prepared with something extra.

How do you think Carnegie Hall has helped your career thus far?

Everyone knows about Carnegie Hall, and it is always associated with musical excellence. When I first went to hear a concert, it was so beautiful that I knew I wanted to play there one day.  I love New York, but I also know that Carnegie Hall has been responsible for helping artists to perform at other great places around the world, and I want to be one of them.  I am so pleased to have the support of the Alexander & Buono Foundation, which is helping to provide me with the opportunities that are needed to build a career.

Photos: Francis Catania