Ivan Svatkovsky

Probably the emotional intensity. After we performed Tchaikovsky’s Sixth Symphony, for example, I simply could not speak for three days. Overall, when the concert has gone well, you feel euphoric and happy. If something goes wrong, the feeling is one of frustration. We are fortunate, though: most of our concerts have gone really well.

I think you should act normally on concert days. In fact, if you come up with a ritual, you might end up becoming hostage to it. And if for some reason you are unable to, say, pray or drink your glass of water before the concert, you’ll feel insecure. Live your life normally. However, I usually dress up for concerts so that does make those days quite special.

Women do. And people in general, human relationships. Feelings, be they positive or negative, always fuel your creative process. I think, people live and work better when they are in love.

Besides providing the daily bread, it is… an atmosphere. One that is very friendly and free. And of course working with Teodor is a huge privilege and pleasure.

There are many pieces for tuba and orchestra and, naturally, I would love to play some of them. But frankly, I don’t know how I should play to inspire Teodor to give such a concert.