Bassoons

Talgat Sarsembayev

In the orchestra since 2004

WHAT MAKES A MUSICIAN DIFFERENT FROM OTHER PEOPLE?

Music is a way to express yourself. Having an affinity towards music means striving to experience and express your emotions through it. Everyone is musical to a certain extent — but I think every person has a different kind of music within. Some people do not even have an ear for music — but when they hear it, their heart starts singing, and so do they.

HOW CAN ONE TELL THEY SHOULD MAKE MUSIC THEIR JOB?

Each professional musician’s story always starts with love towards music. Later on, they feel the need not only to express their own emotions through music, but also to understand the composer’s original message. Discovering this world of music-related data feels like going into outer space. It is up to you to decide whether you want to stay. The decision will come naturally.

CAN YOU IMAGINE BEING ANYTHING ELSE BUT A MUSICIAN?

Of course. Even though I began playing the violin when I was 7, I had other hobbies, too. I went in for sports: swimming, fencing, boxing. My childhood dream was to become a pilot; I even considered going to pilot school later on. My parents convinced me otherwise, so I chose music. I still love swimming and jogging: it gives me energy.

WHAT MUSIC WOULD YOU LIKE TO LISTEN TO RIGHT NOW?

Well, right now it would be some Impressionist piece — for example, something by Ravel. At the end of the year, I feel emotionally drained and need a replenishment. Otherwise, I listen to pretty much everything from classical music to pop.