Hard work. Certainly, having a great voice and striking features is very important — but I don’t think that’s enough for a performer to be successful. One has to work hard, believe in themselves, and stay strong even if things are looking down. To my mind, a passionate desire to achieve something coupled with diligent daily work on self-development is the key to reaching any goal. The way to the top may be long and difficult — but with enough effort, nothing is impossible.

Going up on stage is a great responsibility to me, so I’m quite anxious no matter what. The key is to keep that anxiety from turning into panic that would make me lose touch with reality. I need to focus and prepare for my role mentally. Of course, my partners on stage are of great help, as is the audience. When you’re performing, you feel absolutely delighted by doing your favourite thing in life well enough to make the listeners happy. It is an otherworldly feeling, and it is an incentive for further growth.

Music is a cure for many troubles in life; it is medicine for the soul.

The unlimited creativity, the opportunity to develop myself and realize my true capabilities, and the incredible feeling of living and breathing music as part of this ensemble.