First Violins

Maria Stratonovich

In the orchestra since 2012

WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST MUSICAL IMPRESSION IN LIFE?

Probably not the very first one (it was in my youth rather than childhood) but I was greatly impressed by the recording of Rakhmaninov playing his own music. I was struck by his elegance and sense of time. I also like to hear the scratching on old recordings, particularly piano recordings for some reason. Another memorable impression was hearing the recording of the Lucerne Festival Orchestra playing Mahler’s Symphony No.2. It is one of my favourite symphonies. I first heard it about 15 years ago, and it was the first programme I played in Perm; hopefully, I will get a chance to play it again with fantastic musicians.

WHAT DOES MUSIC MEAN TO YOU?

Music is a chance to reflect in sounds. The language of music is less precise than that of literature, but this is where its value is at. Music tells us something that cannot be easily put into words. I am truly happy that my perception of the world allows me to feel and understand music.

IF NOT A MUSICIAN, CAN YOU IMAGINE BEING ANYTHING ELSE?

I have been interested in perfume-making lately. Perfume has notes, too! You can seal your memories in a bottle to smell them later. This develops visual thinking, which is very important for a musician. Being a camera operator would also be nice: I love cinema and enjoy good camera work.

WHAT IS SPECIAL ABOUT WORKING WITH MUSICAETERNA?

It is a troupe of very talented people who are incredibly energetic, dedicated, and faithful to their calling. This, of course, stems from the conductor. Every concert witnesses Teodor and the musicians give their 200%. We are a group of like-minded people with a common goal of shared creative work.